PRESS RELEASE

Miss Earth helps community group win a DOC hut getaway

Miss Earth New Zealand’s volunteering efforts with the Kaipatiki Project have helped win the Auckland community group a mid-week stay at Turere Lodge.

The prize was given away by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Business and Community Shares (BACS) for Conservation Week.

Kaipatiki Project showed commitment to conservation and had a compelling element with Nicole Fairbrother, Miss Earth New Zealand 2013, planting native trees alongside them and their tempting organic sausage sizzle.

BACS business and community members were offered the opportunity to showcase what they were doing with their whānauto protect New Zealand’s unique flora and faunafor Conservation Week.

Entrees had to explain what benefits they’d get from winning a mid-week stay for 32 at Turere Lodge in the Rimutaka Forest just outside of Wellington.

BACS Director Julie Donvin-Irons said, “We are very pleased that we were able to share this competition throughout our membership base.

It’s good that a small group like Kaipatiki, who have limited resources for teambuilding, can use the Turere Lodge as an overnight retreat to bring together tutors, staff, and volunteers.”

Hamish Hopkinson, manager of the Kaipatiki project said, “We’re really grateful for the recognition and really happy to support Conservation Week. It’s a great national initiative to highlight the role volunteers and the community plays in conservation.

“The opportunity will strengthen our organisation tremendously, and time away from Auckland will help us come back with fresh eyes for the new challenges ahead.”

DOC Spokesperson Angeline Barnes said, “Getting out of town for a conference makes a nice change to city hustle and bustle, and provides unique situations for team bonding.

“Turere Lodge, 40 minutes drive from Wellington, and only a 2 hour easy walk from the car park, has been dubbed ‘5 star comfort tramping’ and has cooking and gathering facilities and a superb deck with stunning views of the Orongorongo Valley.”

ENDS

BACSis a hub of corporate social responsibility in New Zealand with 70 members and partners. BACS provides opportunities for connections between business and community and the sharing of resources. Website: www.bacshares.org.nz

Kaipatiki Project is the largest urban restoration project being carried out by a single group in New Zealand. Caring for and protecting over 70 hectares of beautiful native bush in Glenfield on Auckland’s North Shore. Kaipatiki has plans for a new environment centre (which will be New Zealand’s second “Living Building”), new education courses, and an expansion of the North Shore Ecofest. Website: www.kaipatiki.org.nz

© Scoop Media