East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick has welcomed the Government’s announcement of nearly $28 million in new funding for hill country erosion control, saying it represents a vital investment in the long-term resilience of the Eastern Bay’s land, communities, and rural economy.

Applications are open for the next round of the Hill Country Erosion Programme for projects to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.

The programme supports councils across New Zealand to reduce erosion, protect soil health, and limit the downstream impacts of severe weather.

Ms Kirkpatrick said the announcement was particularly significant for the Eastern Bay, where steep landscapes and sensitive estuarine environments create ongoing challenges for land stability and water quality.

“Communities across the Eastern Bay have experienced the consequences of erosion, sediment loss, and extreme weather.

“This funding ensures our region continues receiving the tools, expertise, and targeted support required to stabilise vulnerable hill country, strengthen rural infrastructure, and protect productive farmland for future generations.”

Since its establishment in 2007, the Hill Country Erosion Programme has been a cornerstone of regional land management efforts.

The current four year national investment (2023-2027) is contributing $25.2 million, alongside $87 million in co funding from councils and landowners.

As part of the national programme, Bay of Plenty Regional Council is delivering its own 2023-2027 HCEP contract, which focuses on implementing proven mitigation measures on erosion-prone hill country. This includes work targeted at land with slopes of 20 degrees or more, and areas classified as LUC 6 and above.

The programme supports a range of land treatment initiatives, including:

n Native species planting

n Poplar pole planting

n Hill country retirement fencing

n Property specific Environmental Protection Agreements, developed through one-on-one engagement with landowners.

Work is targeted to the council’s priority focus catchments, which include areas such as Waiotahe, Ōhope, Ōhiwa and Maketū – locations recognised for their sensitive estuarine environments and water quality challenges

The council has indicated it is preparing its application to the new funding round. However, landowners across the Eastern Bay who are considering hill country retirement, erosion control planting, or other land stabilisation projects are encouraged to get in touch with the council at any time for advice and to explore potential funding options.

Ms Kirkpatrick said the new national funding round would help ensure this important work could continue and expand beyond 2027.

“Our region relies on healthy soils, thriving rural communities, and landscapes that are resilient to storms.

“Continued investment in erosion control is one of the strongest ways we can protect those foundations,” she said.