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Otago Regional Council’s ECO Fund will open for applications from March 16 to 11.59pm on April 19, 2026.
Private landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations across Otago are invited to apply for funding to support environmental projects.
Otago Regional councillor Chanel Gardner says a total of $919,800 is available through the 2026 ECO Fund.
“Whether you are continuing an existing project or developing a new idea that could make a real difference for your local environment, I encourage everyone to be ready to apply,” Chanel says.
Two funding categories have been updated for 2026.
The new hill country erosion management category replaces the previous critical source area management fund and focuses on reducing sediment and soil loss through erosion control measures such as stock-exclusion fencing and tree planting. Up to $51,100 is available.
A new scaling up for biodiversity category replaces large-scale biodiversity projects and aims to support larger biodiversity initiatives while helping community groups build delivery capability and transition to long-term funding sources such as the Large-Scale Environmental Fund. Up to $306,600 is available.
Several existing categories will continue unchanged.
These include the general category with up to $306,600 available, sustained rabbit management incentives with up to $102,200 available, biodiversity enhancement on protected private land with up to $102,200 available, and weed removal and revegetation with up to $51,100 available.
Otago Regional Council says some new application requirements have also been introduced this year.
Applicants can find further information, including a recording of the 2026 ECO Fund webinar, at: orc.govt.nz/ecofund
