18 October 2006
Meridian assumes principal sponsorship of conservation icon Project Crimson
In what could be seen as a case of life imitating art, state-owned electricity generator and retailer Meridian Energy
has become the major sponsor of Project Crimson.
Project Crimson was established 16 years ago to preserve and protect New Zealand's native crimson flower-bearing trees
the pohutukawa and rata.
A southern rata flower stars in the high-profile television advertising campaign launched by Meridian last year to
highlight the role of renewable hydro-electricity in the country's electricity supply system.
Chief Executive Keith Turner says the company has been looking for a strong environmental sponsorship, and given the
success of the advertising campaign, Project Crimson was an obvious choice.
"Many companies make use of this country's wonderful natural features in their visual imagery, and it seems only fair
that we should give something in return for the use that we have made of this particular New Zealand icon.
"Project Crimson has achieved outstanding success in ensuring that our unique red-flowering pohutukawa and rata continue
to flourish on our coasts and in our forests, but there is an ongoing task in ensuring the survival of these wonderful
trees that hold such a special place in the hearts of millions of New Zealanders.
"Meridian will be proud to be a major supporter in that effort."
Welcoming the partnership with Meridian, Project Crimson Trust Chairman Devon McLean said "Project Crimson has been very
successful both in protecting a species at risk and raising New Zealander's awareness of the trees' environmental and
cultural value.
"We are very excited about the future with Meridian Energy. They are a company that understands the uniqueness of New
Zealand's natural heritage and its significance to all New Zealanders."
"Thanks to Meridian Energy, our work will continue around New Zealand building on the foundation created over the last
16 years."
Project Crimson's goals are to:
* Support community and iwi pohutukawa and rata initiatives in medium to high-need areas
* Partner major replenishment projects in high-need areas that have capacity for high impact in NZ and overseas
* Build eco-sourced stock in high-need areas
* Raise awareness of and desire for action on tree protection and conservation generally amongst New Zealanders
Meridian took over as major sponsor of Project Crimson on 2 October 2006
ENDS