5 November, 2018
Waikato District Council doing big things in the ecological space
Three recent acknowledgements in the ecological space show that Waikato District Council is doing its bit for the
environment.
Council has been announced as a finalist in the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia awards once again. The
Australasian awards are highly contended across both Australia and New Zealand so for Council to be recognised for its
continued ecological enhancement of Lake Rotokauri is fantastic. Council was also announced as a finalist for these
awards in 2016.
Council has also repaired fencing and pedestrian access at Shipherd bush in Otaua. Budget was set for a community
project in the area but nothing eventuated. Council Ecological Planner Ben Wolf identified a way in which Council could
utilise a small portion of the money to improve the site. The work has garnered praise from the local community and
demonstrates that Council can get things done.
Waikato River Authority has also recently acknowledged the work Council is doing around Lake Waikare by approving a
grant up to a value of $145,000. Trust Waikato also kindly came to the party and funded Council $25,000 for the same
project. The funds will go towards improving the reserve including building the walkway around the lake and native
species plantings.
Parks and Facilities Manager Megan May says the work being done in the ecological space by Council often goes unnoticed,
but the benefits for not only the environment, but the community has a whole goes a long way towards Council’s vision of
creating Liveable, Thriving and Connected Communities.
“Restoring lakes and walkways and giving our people access to beautiful areas in our district is an important part of
what we do at Council. We’re proud to do this work on behalf of the people in the district and hope everyone can enjoy
these natural treasures in the years to come,” Ms May says.
ENDS