The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) Action Plan Fund supports community action that improves water quality, restores habitats, and strengthens kaitiakitanga. It enables local projects that help deliver CWMS Action Plans across the region.
The fund is aimed at projects delivered within Waitaha Canterbury that take practical steps to improve the health and resilience of our freshwater environments.
Projects must show clear environmental benefits and alignment with the relevant Zone Committee Action Plan. Each former Zone Committee area has $50,000 to allocate to funds. You can apply for a minimum of $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $30,000 per application for this year.
The fund is open to Papatipu Rūnanga, catchment or community water groups, local councils or council partnerships and non-profit organisations working in freshwater management.
Applications close: 11.59pm, Sunday 15 February 2026.
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) Action Plan Fund supports community action that improves water quality, restores habitats, and strengthens kaitiakitanga. It enables local projects that help deliver CWMS Action Plans across the region.
The fund is aimed at projects delivered within Waitaha Canterbury that take practical steps to improve the health and resilience of our freshwater environments.
Projects must show clear environmental benefits and alignment with the relevant Zone Committee Action Plan. Each former Zone Committee area has $50,000 to allocate to funds. You can apply for a minimum of $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $30,000 per application for this year.
The fund is open to Papatipu Rūnanga, catchment or community water groups, local councils or council partnerships and non-profit organisations working in freshwater management.
Apply to the CWMS Action Plan Fund by 11.59pm on Sunday 15 February, 2026. Community groups, rūnanga, individuals, and organisations are invited to apply for funding for projects that align with at least one priority outlined in their local CWMS Zone Committee Action Plan.
Make sure you've either logged in, or create an account so you can save your application as you go. This means you won't have to do it all in one go!
There is a place at the end to upload documents if you would rather prepare your application separately and simply want to upload it. If you choose this approach, ensure that all requested information is included and that you adhere to the specified word count limits.
