Media Invitation
Wednesday 26 November 2003

Horseshoe Lake benefits from Project K clean-up

Christchurch City Council and an enthusiastic group of Burnside High School students have joined forces this week to help clear the weeds from Horseshoe Lake and replace them with native plantings.

The media is invited to come and photograph the students, this Thursday 27 November, as they complete the Community Challenge section of the Project K programme which works to help year 10 students gain self confidence, self esteem and essential life-skills to maximise their potential. Those attending will meet at the ablution block, cnr Lake Terrace and Horseshoe Lake Roads at 11am.

K2 Trust programme director, Terence Courtney said clearing the weeds and willows from Horseshoe Lake is the students’ way of saying thank you to the Christchurch community for supporting them on the year long Project K programme.

“They have been doing such an awesome job that they will be ready to start planting and really getting into the beautification of the area on Friday,” Mr Courtney said.

The 12 students initially approached Councillor Carole Evans seeking community work and have since been assisted by the Council’s Parks and Waterways staff in learning skills such as weed control; trapping methods for pests; and identification of wetland bird species.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work with a group of really motivated young students, whose work will add value to the reserve. Their efforts highlight the importance of community involvement and guardianship in our city’s natural environment”. Christchurch City Council Parks and Waterways Area Advocate Robyn Croucher said.

A grant of $25,000 was given to Project K by the Council to help it get started in Christchurch in August 2002. The programme operates in eight New Zealand centres, with the Christchurch project being the newest.

Students participating in Project K are specially selected by their schools and must complete a three stage course over 12-14 months to graduate. The components include Adventure Skills; a Community Challenge and mentoring from an adult outside their family.

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