Research Fund

The purpose of the Lake Taupo Protection Trust Research Fund is to fund research projects that will help the trust reduce the manageable nitrogen entering Lake Taupo by a minimum of 20 per cent, thereby protecting lake water quality.

The trust does this by supporting projects that solve problems or promote opportunities, to ensure sustainable, low nitrogen discharging land uses in the Taupo catchment.

To help meet these objectives, the trust has allocated over the life of the project $5 million for research on alternative, low nitrogen yielding land uses and their uptake in the Lake Taupo catchment. These funds are available in the form of grants for projects that meet the trust's objectives and will be allocated as appropriate each year at the descretion of the trust.

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

Aim of the research fund

Develop new and existing research resulting in reduced nitrogen emissions to water in rural and urban environments.
Support research projects to reduce nitrogen that can be readily used and applied in the Lake Taupo catchment.
Stimulate the uptake of alternative low nitrogen land-based activities.
Reduce the business risk of utilising new, low nitrogen technologies and land based production systems by demonstrating the viability of proposed systems within the Lake Taupo catchment.

Applications

The trust is seeking detailed proposals from applicants that meet the funding criteria. These proposals will be assessed by a panel of two independent specialists in the field of sustainable land use and one trustee. The panel will shortlist the projects and recommend to the trustees which projects should receive funding.

Trustees of the Lake Taupo Protection Trust will make final decisions on the allocation of funds to projects presented to them. This may mean that not all proposals will be funded or will receive the full amount of funding applied for.

Information and Research application guidelines and criteria are available for download in PDF format below:

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, timeline, and leverage and management arrangements.

Applications must be on the official application form, which is available for download in PDF format below:

If you require further information, please contact the Lake Taupo Protection Trust Secretary on 0800 888 380.

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.

It is expected that the research will produce practical information and resources that are of ongoing benefit to land owners in the Lake Taupo catchment. Information produced from the research projects will be made accessible on this website.

Criteria for applications

Applications for research funding will be evaluated on the criteria below.

  • Effectiveness - The results of the research must demonstrate the ability to effectively reduce nitrogen discharge from land.
  • Relevance - The research must be relevant to the Taupo catchment (such as soils, geology, land use systems).
  • Leverage - The amount of additional funding or contributions from other sources (such as joint ventures or partnerships) brought to the project.
  • Cost effective - The research must demonstrate value for money and result in economic reductions of nitrogen.
  • Ability to deliver - The technical and project management skills and capabilities of those involved in the project are sufficient to ensure the project's success.
  • Likelihood of uptake and adoption of project findings - The communication and extension skills and capabilities of those involved in the project are sufficient to ensure benefits to end users and other stakeholders are delivered.
  • Risk - The extent that the research is based on contemporary work with a high likelihood of success.
  • State of proposed research or developing technology - Is the research or technology ‘near market' or in the early stages of development.
  • Other factors- Where relevant, other factors will be considered in the overall assessment. For example, these factors could include:
    • timing of the research project
    • project innovation
    • benefits of the project to other publicly stated goals for sustainability.

Eligibility

You should:

  • Be a New Zealand resident for tax purposes
  • Demonstrate the commitment and resources necessary to complete the project
  • 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

Timeframes

Applications close: 31 August 2011
Funding decisions notified: 30 September 2011
Contracts signed off: 30 November 2011

Type of research preferred by the trust

  • Research - applied and relevant.
  • Enables technology transfer/extension.
  • Involves field trials or research that can be demonstrated to land owners.
  • Research that helps the present land owners transition to low N land uses.

Type of research not funded by the trust

  • Pure research.
  • Projects that benefit an individual or single business.
  • Capital expenditure or capital items.
  • Retrospective projects.
  • Participation in statutory processes, litigation or resource inventory work.