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For immediate use

Date: 27 January 2010

Local Young People Working For Community & Environment

Five local young cadets have joined Porirua City Council under a Government funded scheme that will benefit the community and environment.

Ashton Tresidder, Miracle Siamomua, Johnny Tuimlo, Sam Hefferen all started as Assistant Gardeners on 18 January and Helen Mamoko started in Porirua Library.

The cadets will be with the Council for six months as part of the Community Max scheme. Helen will process a backlog of new books for the junior library collection involving sorting, stamping, covering, taping, labelling and shelving newly processed books.

The four young men will be working with Council's Works Operations crew transforming green space in Bothamley Park into well maintained areas that the community will be able to enjoy.

"This will involve clearing litter, cutting vegetation, weed control using herbicides, basic felling of small trees with a chainsaw, walkway maintenance and some replanting to encourage new vegetation," says Council Chief Executive Roger Blakeley.
After six months the young men will be certified to apply commercial pesticides in public places, use a chainsaw for ground cuts, undertake first aid in the workplace and be able to safely use a weed eater. They will also have upgraded their drivers' licences.
Dr Blakeley says all the cadets are keen to learn and willing workers and the benefits of the Council using the Community Max programme are manifold.

"This has enabled the Council to bring forward its Bothamley Park Restoration project for which $839,000 over 10 years has been set aside in the Long Term Council Community Plan. The Community Max subsidy also saves Council funding while giving local unemployed young people the opportunity to experience practical work and gain nationally recognised qualifications."

Bothamley Park covers 107 hectares, based around the Kenepuru Stream, and links the suburbs of Aotea, Ascot Park, Cannons Creek and Waitangirua. The project will also improve public safety through implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles on site.
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