# Regional Benefit Fund

_The purpose of the Regional Benefit Fund (RBF) is to deliver lasting environmental and community resilience for the Bay of Plenty region._

## He aha te Te Pūtea Whakapiki ā-Rohe? | What is the Regional Benefit Fund?

The Regional Benefit Fund supports the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects that create lasting environmental and community benefits for the Bay of Plenty.

Funding is available for built and natural infrastructure projects that contribute to a thriving, resilient and future-focused region.

Natural infrastructure includes managed or naturally occurring ecosystems (such as wetlands, waterways, forests and coastal habitats), while built infrastructure includes constructed structures and systems (such as public facilities, transport networks and water systems).

By investing in projects today, the fund aims to leave a legacy for future generations through healthy environments, connected communities, plentiful economic opportunities and increased resilience to change.

## Hei aha te pūtea? | What can the funding be used for?

Projects must enable the development of built infrastructure, or the development or maintenance of natural infrastructure that achieves regional benefit.

This could be through a significant individual project that benefits the wider Bay of Plenty region, or several localised projects that collectively contribute to broader regional outcomes.

To be eligible, projects must:

- Deliver results within the Bay of Plenty region.
- Contribute to at least one Bay of Plenty Regional Council Community Outcome ([as set out in the Long Term Plan](https://atlas.boprc.govt.nz/api/v1/edms/document/BOPRC-2108768272-2247/content "Long Term Plan")).
- Be ready for delivery and be successfully completed within an appropriate timeframe.

The Regional Benefit Fund supports project delivery rather than project planning. Funding cannot be used for investigations, feasibility studies, business case development, preliminary scoping activities, or routine operational costs.

### Eligible and Ineligible expenditure

#### Eligible expenditure may include:

- Capital construction costs.
- Infrastructure establishment, enhancement or expansion costs.
- Natural infrastructure development or maintenance costs.
- Specialist technical services directly related to delivery.
- Consenting costs.
- Project management costs directly attributable to delivery.
- Professional services necessary for delivery.
- Monitoring required to confirm successful establishment outcomes.

#### Ineligible expenditure may include:

- Routine operational or administrative costs.
- Activities that do not increase the existing level of service.
- Organisational overheads.
- Non-project-related salaries.
- Asset renewals or replacements.
- Depreciation, debt servicing, loan repayments.
- Retrospective expenditure.
- Political activities.
- Business case development, investigations and feasibility studies.
- Activities that are primarily the responsibility of Central Government.
- Ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with infrastructure assets.

### Funding for maintenance

The Regional Council may provide funding for the maintenance of natural infrastructure when this is necessary to ensure the project succeeds. Examples include:

- Pest plant control
- Pest animal control
- Ecological restoration management
- Plant maintenance and replacement
- Site protection measures
- Site monitoring.

Funding for these activities will generally be limited to an agreed period and will not extend to ongoing operational expenditure, renewals, maintenance programmes or enduring management costs.

## E hia te pūtea? | How much can we fund?

The Regional Benefit Fund is designed to support large-scale infrastructure projects.

As such, the minimum funding request is $500,000, with any funding awarded contributing towards the total project costs.

Up to $20 million is available to allocate through this fund for the 2026/27 financial year (however successful projects can be delivered across multiple years).

## Kei te hiahia ki te tono? Tirohia kia hāngai ngā paearu ki a koe |
 Want to apply? Check you meet the following criteria

**Not eligible for the Regional Benefit Fund?**

### Step 1: Screening

Applications are reviewed to ensure:

- They have been submitted before the closing date.
- All required sections of the application form have been completed.
- The applicant and proposed project meet the fund's eligibility requirements.

Applications that do not meet the screening requirements will not progress to assessment.

### Step 2: Assessment

Staff will assess the eligible applications against the fund's criteria. External advisors may be engaged where additional expertise is required.

Key assessment areas include:

- **Strategic alignment:** How well the project supports the purpose and objectives of the Regional Benefit Fund.
- **Deliverability and value for money:** The project's feasibility, budget, co-funding arrangements, delivery approach, timeframe, organisational capability, and evidence supporting the proposed outcomes.

Following assessment, staff prepare recommendations to inform the shortlisting process.

### Step 3: Shortlisting

Council will consider the assessment outcomes and decide which applications will proceed to the next stage.

Applications may:

- Not be shortlisted for further consideration.
- Progress to full assessment and due diligence.
- Progress to full assessment and due diligence, subject to additional information being provided.

Depending on the project's scale, complexity, and funding request, applicants may be asked to provide further information such as a business case, feasibility study, or technical assessment.

Applicants will be advised of the outcome of the shortlisting process.

### Step 4: Full assessment and due diligence

Shortlisted applications undergo a more detailed review to assess the project's viability, benefits, and overall value.

This may include consideration of:

- Project outcomes, costs, and value for money.
- The applicant's financial position and funding requirements.
- Alternative funding options that have been explored.
- The applicant's track record in delivering similar projects.
- Project risks and proposed mitigation measures.
- Governance, management, and delivery arrangements.
- Long-term operation, maintenance, and sustainability.

We may also consider broader factors such as long-term financial prudence, fairness of funding allocation over time, potential funding precedents, and the overall balance of projects supported through the Regional Benefit Fund.

### Step 5: Council decision

Following the full assessment and due diligence, staff will present their recommendations and assessment findings to Councillors.

Councillors are the final decision makers for all Regional Benefit Fund allocations. While they may consider advice from staff, assessors, or advisory groups, funding decisions remain at their discretion.

Successful applications may be approved subject to specific funding conditions.

(from 3hr 9minutes)

(pg 14)

(pg 11)