Thank you to everyone who submitted Large Grant applications to Environment Network Manawatū’s Environmental Initiatives Fund.

As in previous funding rounds, we were significantly oversubscribed for large grants and were consequently only able to partially fund 10 of the 14 initiatives submitted. Just over $60,000 in large grants was distributed this year.

The main purpose of the grant is to support initiatives that align with the priorities of both PNCC and ENM to improve environmental outcomes for Palmerston North City. Successful applicants have demonstrated that their initiative aligns with one or more of our funding priority areas. This year, the majority of funding went to initiatives aligned with the food sovereignty priority. Other initiatives supported align with our additional targeted priorities: biodiversity protection and enhancement, circular economy, and climate action.

Our successful applicants that we have been able to support:

Just Zilch aims to reduce the environmental impact of their food rescue logistics while enhancing community outcomes by improving the efficiency of food collections and ensuring timely delivery to their hub to support community groups and individuals in need.

Cornerstone Christian School is launching a “Field to Fork” programme to strengthen food resilience and address the gap left by ineligibility for the government’s healthy lunch initiative. Food is grown onsite, and students use it in Food classes to prepare nutritious meals served daily to both staff and students.

The Niuvaka Trust is building food resilience through its Pasifika Home Garden initiative, which empowers whānau to lead their own development through hands-on learning. Skills and knowledge gained will be shared within both the Niuvaka community garden and participants’ personal home gardens.

Green Bikes promotes sustainable transport and reduces landfill waste by refurbishing and redistributing bikes, making cycling more accessible while supporting climate friendly practices.

At Cloverlea School, students are connecting with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) through the development of a sensory garden, a project designed to enhance biodiversity, support climate action, and improve student wellbeing.

Russell Street School is revitalising a local forest area by mulching and replanting native species, creating a healthier, more resilient green space that contributes to climate and ecological goals.

Te Whare Koha is strengthening community sustainability by building food resilience and advancing circular economy practices, with funding supporting food rescue, clothing reuse, composting systems, and the care of their Maara Kai.

A SuperGrans Manawatū initiative is equipping individuals with practical, low waste living skills through its Sustainable Living Skills programme, teaching seasonal cooking and food preservation to reduce waste and foster food security.

Digital Future Aotearoa, based in Palmerston North, is addressing digital inequality and e-waste by expanding its Recycle a Device programme, a grassroots initiative that gives used technology a second life through a circular economy approach.