Submissions for the 2026 Westpac Water Care Project close on 30 May 2026.
Please ensure your catchment group’s application is finalised before the deadline.
Project Overview
The Westpac Water Care Project is a partnership between NZ Landcare Trust and Westpac New Zealand supporting community-led action to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems across Aotearoa.
Since 2022, the programme has funded practical initiatives led by catchment groups working to improve the health of rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands in their communities.
Each year, six catchment groups receive $10,000 grants to support practical restoration projects in their local waterways.
Programme at a glance
• Established: 2022
• Grants available: Six grants of $10,000 each year
• Focus: Community-led freshwater restoration
• Delivered by: NZ Landcare Trust + Westpac New Zealand in the following regions, Upper North Island, Eastern North Island, Central New Zealand, Canterbury, Otago-South Canterbury, and Southland.
Who can apply
✓ Small to medium emerging catchment group
✓ Not already resourced for the support requested
✓ Strong landowner engagement
✓ Intention to engage with tangata whenua
✓ Potential for ecological outcomes
✓ Westpac staff volunteer involvement is possible
*Please note: Information provided in your Westpac Water Care Project (WWCP) application may be shared with Westpac New Zealand for the purposes of reviewing and assessing applications.
Explore previous grant recipients to learn more about the projects funded each year and the great mahi happening in communities across Aotearoa
Mahi happening on the ground at previous WWCP events
