Media release
Thursday 6 May 2013
For immediate release

“Something special” for 20th anniversary of the English Teaching College
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the English Teaching College in New Zealand and they wanted to celebrate the occasion by doing something special for the community. They chose to spend the day with Wellington Regional Council parks staff, working the land and giving the environment a hand.

On Thursday 9 May around 50 staff and students head off to Queen Elizabeth Park for a morning, releasing plants from competition (that’s weeding to most of us) and planting native trees. There are some 600 trees to plant so as well as providing a different form of outdoor exercise, the day will be an educational opportunity and a social occasion.

The Park Ranger will kick off the day by explaining the history of the park and the significance of the site. Staff and students will also learn about the plants and planting techniques. The mornings work will be followed by a bar-b-que lunch.

“We want our students to be involved in and feel part of the community. We encourage and facilitate discussions about conservation and restoration of natural habitats, flora and fauna. For us, the environmental approach gives language training a greater meaning and will make students feel part of something special,” says Ping Panjaboon, spokesperson for English Teaching College.

“The corporate restoration day gives us an opportunity to do something that is active together, good for the environment, informative and has a social aspect to it as well. Also, it is great that our contribution is a permanent and living mark of the occasion. In years to come we will be able to visit a little part of the park that we helped to create and see the results of our work.”

The Greater Wellington Regional Council Parks Manager, Amanda Cox says Corporate restoration days are a great way for groups to learn about regional parks, enjoy the outdoors, team-build in a different setting and help us create and care for special areas that we all can share. There is no charge for the plants or facilities and Parks all the equipment needed to make for a successful day.

To find out more visit Greater Wellington Regional Council www.gw.govt.nz or phone Mat Walsh Community Projects & Events Assistant on 830 4041 or email mathew.walsh@gw.govt.nz

ENDS

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