Revive Our Gulf is thrilled to announce its selection as the inaugural recipient of the BNZ Foundation’s Manaaki Taiao grant, a transformative three-year commitment totalling $450,000. This significant boost comes as a testament to the BNZ Foundation’s commitment to regenerating the natural environment in the face of increasing biodiversity loss and climate change.
Revive Our Gulf aims to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and re-establish critical natural habitats for marine life by restoring the Hauraki Gulf’s soft sediment kūtai (green-lipped mussel) reefs.
The BNZ Foundation’s financial support will be instrumental in advancing Revive Our Gulf’s monitoring program. “This incredible support from the Foundation enables us to have more eyes in the water, deepening our monitoring program. This is key to evaluating the impact of our restoration activities and implementing adaptive management strategies,” remarks Katina Conomos, Program Director / Kaihatū.
In addition to Revive Our Gulf, the BNZ Foundation is championing two other impactful projects in its inaugural round of partnerships through its Manaaki Tangata grant. Waka Aronui, a social car leasing program in its second year of a three-year pilot in South Auckland, and The Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua, aiming to foster collaboration between corporates, iwi, and community organizations to support more resilient communities.
Dan Huggins, Chair of BNZ Foundation, expresses enthusiasm about the Foundation’s transition from planning to action, stating, “The organisations we are partnering with share our vision for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Aotearoa.”
Conomos extends gratitude, saying, “On behalf of all of us at Revive Our Gulf – big mihi Bank of New Zealand Foundation – your belief in our mission strengthens our resolve to re-mussel and improve the Hauraki Gulf!”
For more information on the BNZ Foundation and its funding programs, please visit BNZ Foundation.
Photos supplied by BNZ Foundation. Meeting between BNZ Foundation and Revive Our Gulf partners, at Ōkahu Bay, 2023.