The $1 billion Jobs for Nature scheme was formed in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as a way to keep people employed and improve the health of the environment.
About 500 projects were established with the funding, but the funding is set to run out.
One of those projects was the Karioi Rāhui in the Southern Ruapehu area.
Emile Donovan speaks to chief executive of Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Helen Leahy about the impact the project has had.
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The Southern Lakes Sanctuary is one of 500 projects, established with the $1 billion Jobs For Nature funding. Photo: Southern Lakes Sanctuary