The Government says $26 million is going unused for repairing the damage from soil erosion in the Gisborne region, because people who could help are being put off by an application process that's too complicated.
It's now asking for feedback on proposed changes to how people apply for money from the East Coast Forestry Project Fund.
The project aims to fix soil erosion in the region where 25 percent of the land is susceptible to severe erosion, compared with just 8 percent for the whole country.
Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew says since 1992, landowners have used the fund to plant trees or regenerate indigenous vegetation over 42,000 hectares, but 60,000 hectares are still waiting to be fixed.
She says there is still $26 million available under the East Coast Forestry Project and the Government wants to see more applications for the funds.
Mrs Goodhew says she believes it's because of the complicated and convoluted way in which the money has been being granted for the project, so they are hoping to simplify the application process.
She says anyone who wants to know if they are eligible for the funding should contact Gisborne District Council.
Mrs Goodhew says when the money's available but too difficult to get at, the Government is obliged to try to solve the problem.
She says it's hoped that the erosion control and prevention of erosion project could add an extra 12,000 - 25,000 hectares.
Mrs Goodhew says the Government is consulting on the changes and public consultation finishes on 16 March.
