Landowners, iwi, community groups and environmental organisations can learn more about Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) ECO Fund and how to submit a strong application in free, upcoming webinars.

The fund supports community-led projects around the region that protect, enhance and promote the environment and there is $918,000 available in the upcoming funding round.

The two webinars will have different focuses, ORC councillor Chanel Gardner said, with the first webinar - taking place tonight (Tuesday March 3) - about “clarity”.

“We want potential applicants, including those who have applied before, to understand what the fund is designed to achieve in 2026, what’s changed, and how to position their project well before applications open.”

Next week, ORC will host a ‘preparing a strong funding application’ webinar to help applicants strengthen their submissions and maximise their impact.

“Whether you’re new to funding or experienced, this session will walk through what makes a proposal clear, credible and aligned with council priorities. We encourage all applicants to take part,” Chanel said.

Since 2018, the ECO fund has supported 194 projects from 420 applications, distributing just over $3.64M (out of $10.45M requested) across eleven application rounds.

An annual review process occurs, to set up the funding categories for each year which align with council’s strategic directions.

Funding categories include hill country erosion management, scaling up for biodiversity, sustained rabbit management incentives, biodiversity enhancement on protected private land, weed removal and revegetation, and a general fund.

Applications for the 2026 ECO Fund will open on March 16.

Find more information about the ECO Fund and the details of the webinars here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App