The New Zealand Government has committed nearly $28 million to support erosion control projects in the country’s hill country, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. This funding, provided under the Hill Country Erosion Programme (HCEP), is intended to protect productive land from the impacts of severe weather, maintain soil health, and limit downstream damage.
Applications for the new round of funding opened today, with councils nationwide invited to submit proposals for eligible projects. The $27.8 million allocation will support erosion control work to be delivered between 2027 and 2031, ensuring that farmers and growers have the resources needed to safeguard their land and prepare for future storms.
Established in 2007, the HCEP has been one of the government’s most effective tools for protecting farmland while reducing environmental and economic impacts on local communities. Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service’s current investment of $25.2 million (2023–2027) is complemented by $87 million in cash and in-kind contributions from 14 partner councils and landowners, demonstrating strong regional support.
Past funding has enabled councils to implement regionally tailored programmes that include treating vulnerable land, collaborating with landowners to develop farm-scale erosion control plans, and building regional capability. These efforts have strengthened the country’s resilience to erosion while promoting sustainable land management practices.
