Displaying items by tag: Grants

Sunday, 20 January 2019 04:01

Wetland research grants

Interested in studying wetland birds or wetland restoration? – the Wetland Care scholarship could be for you!

Background/purpose

Wetland Care research scholarships are Ducks Unlimited-sponsored scholarships applicable to any student currently enrolled or affiliated with a New Zealand university. Funds are aimed at encouraging and supporting students who wish to push the boundaries of what is known about wetland restoration and conservation. Starting in 2018, up to $20,000 a year will be available to cover one to four scholarships of $5000 each. Funds can be used to support student living costs or to cover the costs of equipment purchase, logistics and consumables.

Criteria

Applications will be accepted from students/researchers affiliated with universities interested in making a difference through wetland conservation. Funding is aimed at student projects designed to facilitate better management of New Zealand wetlands or their environment. The student project must be based in New Zealand or be of direct benefit to New Zealand based on current wetland conservation issues.

Preference will be given to applications who demonstrate:

innovative thinking that pushes the boundaries of what is known about New Zealand wetland conservation
research on native threatened wetland bird species
research with clear objectives and measurable outcomes
research with a strong wetland management and conservation applications
research covering any ‘preferred research topics’ listed on the Ducks Unlimited/Wetland Care website: www.ducks.org.nz.

Value

Wetland Care will award up to four scholarships a year, during two biannual funding rounds for the next three years (2018 to 2021). The first funding round, consisting of one to two $5000 scholarships, will be advertised in September. The second funding rounds,

consisting of a further one to two $5000 scholarships, will be advertised in February. Funds will be paid in one lump sum to successful candidates upon completion of the milestones agreed at the time the scholarship is accepted.

How and when to apply

Applications for the September 2018 funding round will open until November 1, 2018. Depending upon the quality of applications, we may award up to two $5000 scholarships.
The next applications will be called for in February 2019. This round will consists of up to two more $5000 scholarships.

Want to know more?

Please email swampbird.research@ gmail.com with your questions or to request an application pack. Terms and conditions will also be available on the Ducks Unlimited website. Applications close at 5pm on November 1.

Published in Issue 175

Tagged under

Nikau Foundation grant for Wairio Wetland

L to R: Jim Campbell, Patron and past president, Gus van de Roer, Nikau Foundation trustee, and Ross Cottle President accepting grant for Wairio Wetlands from Nikau Foundation.

A cheque for $6500 from the Nikau Foundation was handed over to Ducks Unlimited (DUNZ) President Ross Cottle and Patron Jim Campbell by Gus van de Roer of the Nikau Foundation to go towards the restoration of the Wairio Wetland.

Nikau Foundation Chairman Kevin O’Connor said he was delighted the Foundation was able to support Ducks Unlimited with its restoration work at the Wairio Wetland on the eastern shore of Lake Wairarapa.

While most grants had previously gone to Wellington based organisations he added that the Wairarapa is part of the wider community supported by the Foundation.

Ross Cottle said the grant would go towards site preparation and tree planting at the joint venture project with DOC.

“We are starting to see the results of four years of effort and this injection of funds will help maintain the momentum of the project,” said Ross.

Tree planting is planned for May/June and volunteers are welcome. In past years children from Pirinoa Primary School, students from the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Rotarians and DU and F&B members have assisted with the planting.

Nikau Foundation is the community foundation for the Wellington region, part of a worldwide family that provides a simple, effective and long-lasting way for people to leave a gift for causes close to their heart and close to home. Because the capital is invested and only the income is given out, the gift
keeps on giving forever.

The grant for the Wairio Wetland restoration project has been arranged by Nikau on behalf of the Richard and Doreen Evans Trust.

Published in Issue 155

Tagged under