6 December 2006

Marine reserve a jewel on Wellington's doorstep

The Green Party has congratulated those groups who worked tirelessly for the Kupe Kevin Smith Marine Reserve on Wellington's south coast on their success today.

"Wellingtonians will surely reap the many rewards of having such a beautiful and valuable jewel right on their doorsteps," Wellington-based MP Sue Kedgley says.

"Conservationist Kevin Smith, who died last year, had close links with the Green Party and we believe he would have been honoured to have this beautiful reserve named after him.

"This reserve will be a huge asset to Wellington. Located on our magnificent and wild southern coast, this, in addition to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, will help to position Wellington as an eco-tourism destination," Ms Kedgley says.

"Marine reserves play an important role in preserving the natural habitat of many creatures and provide a valuable educational and tourism resource.

"I congratulate the South Coast Marine Reserve Coalition and the Wellington Branch of Forest and Bird and all the others involved for their success after so many years of work put into this project," Ms Kedgley.

ENDS

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