In this section

The Fund's purpose is to support the restoration and protection of Waikirikiri Selwyn’s indigenous biodiversity (plants and wildlife) through the elimination of introduced predator animals.

Outcomes of the Fund

  • Reduced numbers of predator animals across the District, including mustelids, rats, possums, hedgehogs and feral cats.
  • Improved protection resulting in increased abundance of indigenous wildlife and plants.
  • Increased number and coverage of trapping networks across Waikirikiri Selwyn.
  • Relationships and trust built with community and landowners to maximise predator control efforts.
  • Selwyn Biodiversity Strategy and Predator Free 2050 goals are contributed to.
 

Fund Dates

The 2026 funding round is now closed.

Information about the 2027 funding round, including opening and closing dates, will be available in late 2026.

Criteria

All eligibility criteria and details can be found in the Predator Free 2050 Funding Schedule

How to Apply

Our online application form can be found here.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be residents and/or ratepayers of the Selwyn District. The funding is open to iwi, community groups, schools, landowners and individuals.

Who Can't Apply

Selwyn District Council and other Public Agencies, such as ECAN, DOC or LINZ, are excluded from applying to the fund.
 

What costs can be funded

  • Purchase of traps and bait for community trapping groups, trap libraries, and individuals operating multi-unit trapping networks.
  • Materials for building trap boxes.
  • Support for running trapping related events, including promotion to the target audience.
  • Salary or wages for a specified project, such as facilitator costs for trapping workshops or coordinator costs associated with delivering the activity or programme for which the funds are requested.
 

What costs can't be funded

In addition to Funding Exclusions as stated in Section 6.7 and 6.8 of the C213 Community Funding Policy:

  • The entire cost of a project - Predator Free Selwyn 2050 grants must complement the applicant’s contributions, including in-kind voluntary hours.
 

Terms and Conditions

In addition to Section 3 and Section 6 of C213 Community Funding Policy:

  • Predator control work must take place in the Selwyn District.
  • Any traps used must have passed the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) testing guidelines.
  • Funding can be allocated for work on both private and public land. However, work on public land requires approval from the relevant landowner.
  • Applicants must record their catches on Trap NZ or send their trap data to the SDC biodiversity team – via the biodiversity@selwyn.govt.nz email address.
  • If salary/wages for a one-off project has been requested, Council staff may contact the applicant for a copy of the role description.
  • Council staff may request to meet with the applicant to discuss project details and if necessary, provide advice. A trapping layout and monitoring plan (using DOC’s Practical Guide to Trapping as a guideline) may be required with the application.
  • If the fund recipient is no longer using their trap, they are required to return it to Council or their local trapping group to be redistributed.
 

Accountability Requirements

As stated in Section 10.7.5 of the C213 Community Funding Policy:

  • Funding agreement signed by both parties.
  • A project summary and expenditure report within 12 months of funding.
  • Invoices for materials purchased.
  • If salary/wages for a one-off project has been funded, proof of payment may be requested, if required.
  • Reporting of catches (this can be either through Trap NZor direct to Council biodiversity staff on a quarterly basis).
 
 

For more information about the Fund, please contact biodiversity@selwyn.govt.nz.