Fund invites applications for access projects

Groups undertaking projects to enhance access to New Zealand's outdoors are invited to apply for funding through the Enhanced Access Fund 2014.

A new funding approach for 2014-15 will see $76,000 made available over four funding rounds, with priority given to initiatives that obtain new access and projects such as the installation of signs that inform the public about access opportunities. Applications are welcome from 1 April, with closing dates as below.

Projects that develop and improve walking access through the installation of gates, stiles and fences or creation of engineering reports, and projects that support community walking access initiatives are also eligible for funding.

Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the shift away from a single annual application process would provide for more flexibility around project start dates by making it easier for groups to seek funding throughout the year.

“There are many hard working community groups doing their bit to improve access in our country and this fund is designed to give them a helping hand. More than 60 projects have received Enhanced Access Fund support over the past four years, and we expect demand for funding to remain strong,â€