75196 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for the Environment

75196 (2024). Kahurangi Carter to the Minister for the Environment: Why have the minimum grant amounts available through the Waste Minimisation Fund been increased, and is she concerned this might reduce communities’ ability to develop and implement local solutions?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I am advised that in order to meet climate change targets, the fund must focus its funding and resources on high value, high impact projects. The $100,000 threshold for Research & Development/Innovation projects (including business cases, feasibility studies and pilots) recognises there are benefits of investing in smaller projects in a targeted way. Analysis was undertaken on all applications received since the WMF reopened in 2022, combined with all Plastics Innovation Fund (PIF) applications since it opened in 2021. It was found that the applications requesting lower amounts were unlikely to be competitive for funding unless they were related to the Council kerbside organic funding packages. The gazetted criteria allow exceptions to the minimum funding thresholds for projects that are eligible for any funding packages made available by the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry). In CAB-24-MIN-0138 Cabinet indicated that 5-10% of the levy available for central government investment could be invested in innovation, community solutions and education.  The Ministry will consider options for the most efficient and effective ways to make those investments. The Ministry acknowledge concerns around funding gaps for small businesses and community groups and note there are other regional based fundings sources such as local authorities, Community Trusts, and Lottery grants.