Enhanced Access Fund invites applications

Organisations undertaking projects to enhance access to the outdoors can now apply for funding through the 2013 round of the New Zealand Walking Access Commission's Enhanced Access Fund.

Up to $138,000 (including GST) is available in the 2013 round, with a maximum grant of $25,000 possible to any one organisation. The deadline for applications is 16 March 2013 and application forms are available here.

Funding will be prioritised towards projects that are designed to obtain certain and enduring access, such as negotiation to secure access agreements, or surveying for easements or other new access. Other eligible projects include those designed to provide information about access, such as signs, and facilities that enable access, such as stiles, gates and fences.

New Zealand Walking Access Commission Chief Executive Mark Neeson said the contestable fund helped to create new opportunities for people to access the outdoors by providing a helping hand to projects that benefit local communities or wider New Zealand.

“Free access to beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains is a wonderful part of New Zealand's culture and the fund helps groups around the country to continue making meaningful access contributions for future generations.â€