We have heard in the last couple of days that funds set up specifically to help charitable organisations in assistance for their submissions is in doubt. It seems all funds to the year ending 30 June 2017 are already allocated, awaiting ministerial sign-off. Not only this, but due to the Kaikoura earthquake, email is the only means to contact the team that administer the funds. We are sympathetic to this, but hopefully this will be rectified quickly, given that the EWL project is one of the most significant road projects in the country. The main concern is the potential lack of funds available, putting into jeopardy the appeals by charitable groups. Submissions close on 22nd March, and funding applications are then lodged, but there is potential that groups will not be able to get any funding. Again, given this is one of the largest road projects impacting on many charitable organisations, this situation needs to be resolved. We urge you to write to the Minister for the Environment the Honourable Maggie Barry ONZM at m.barry@ministers.govt.nz, and ask for this situation to be addressed. Thanks Aotea Sea Scouts