MEDIA RELEASE
EMBARGOED UNTIL 7PM
WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST
CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED
Conservation Minister Nick Smith today presented this year's Wellington Regional Conservation Award to the Trelissick
Park/Ngaio Gorge Working Group, a group of Wellington volunteers with ten years' commitment to planting trees and
controlling weeds and pests in their neighbourhood.
"The efforts of the Trelissick Park/Ngaio Gorge Working Group to restore Trelissick Park is an outstanding example of
long term dedication to a conservation project and how native ecosystems can be nurtured in our own backyards."
The award recognises the efforts of individuals and groups to long term sustained conservation projects in the
Wellington region and is given by the Wellington Regional Environmental Agency (WREA), environmental representatives of
all local authorities within boundaries of Wellington Regional Council and by the Department of Conservation.
"The working group has demonstrated a determination to network with the local community. They've created newsletters and
even an 'adopt the spot initiative' which aims to get people to look after a chosen area. The group also works with the
Wellington City Council and acts as an advocate for the management of the Kaiwharawhara stream catchment."
The nine finalists for the Award were presented with certificates of recognition. Finalists included the Island Bay
Marine Education Centre, East Harbour Environmental Association, Grounds Maintenance Services (contractors to Hutt City
Council), Colin Scadden (ornithologist), Trevor Thompson (Wairarapa community conservation corps), Ngapine Tarawa Trust
Okautete Native Bush Reserve, Nigel Clark (trees for survival programme) and Staglands Wildlife Reserve. The WREA
presented a supplementary award to Don Richards and Ron Wells for their commitment to litter control and promoting beach
clean-ups in the region.
"These awards celebrate the tremendous effort of all the groups and individuals who have taken up the challenge to turn
the tide in the Wellington region. I don't envy the judges the task of choosing just one winner with the incredible
spectrum of projects nominated."
ENDS