Research Fund

The purpose of the Lake Taupo Protection Trust Research Fund is to fund research projects that will help reduce Nitrogen entering Lake Taupo and to assist landowners and farmers in the water catchment area seek and trial innovative ways  of land management which can support strong economic and social outcomes within the catchment.

To help meet these objectives, research grants are made available annually.  This document outlines the criteria and the process the Trust will apply in considering any application for grants.

Funding is available for application on an annual basis, up to a maximum of $50,000 per project (including GST).

Overall aim

Supports research that furthers the goal of reduced nitrogen from existing land uses entering the lake.

Applications

The Trust is seeking detailed proposals from applicants that meet the criteria stated in the research fund brochure.  These proposals will be assessed by a panel in the field of sustainable land use and a representative from Ngati Tuwharetoa as kaitiaki of the lake.  The panel will shortlist the projects and recommend to the Trust Board which projects should receive funding.

Information on the research fund and the research fund application form are available for download:

• Research fund policy
• Research fund application form

The proposals should:

• Clearly outline how the proposal will contribute to the Trust achieving its objectives
• Describe the concepts, methods and outcomes of the project and, where possible, quantify the direct and indirect benefits of the project to achieving the Trust's objectives
• Give clear and measurable objectives and milestones for the project
• Include all information requested in the application form including detailed budgets, milestones, timelines, and leverage and management arrangements.

If you require further information please contact the Manger / Secretary on .

All applications will need a full description of the proposed research, and the benefits and outcomes that will help the Trust meet its objectives. In all cases, successful projects will be selected on merit and be subject to entering into an appropriate contract.

All decisions  of the Trust on any application are at the discretion of the Trust and not subject to any appeal or requirement for justification.

Applicant eligibility

You should:

• Be a New Zealand resident for tax purposes
• Have proposals and concepts consistent with New Zealand laws and regulations
• Represent an identifiable entity and have the appropriate authority to sign the necessary contracts and agreements

Indicative Timeframes

The Trust will accept research applications throughout the calendar year subject to funds being available for that financial year.

Type of research not likely to be funded by the Trust

• Pure research or research which should be subject to national funding.
• Projects that benefit an individual or single business unless that is clearly secondary to the achievement or the goal of the project.
• Capital expenditure or capital items which are not inherent to the research.
• Retrospective projects.