19 April 2001 - Wellington

MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE USE

West Coast Development Trust

Forest and Bird welcomes the establishment of the West Coast Development Trust and hopes this Trust will help the West Coast region develop a sustainable future.

"This is an important moment in history and for the future of the West Coast" said Keith Chapple, President of Forest and Bird. "The Trust represents a real opportunity for the West Coast to develop in an environmentally friendly way. We wish them well".

"There are exciting opportunities for development on the West Coast that will help maintain the tremendously important ecology of the West Coast" said Mr Chapple. "The West Coast is one of the last relatively pristine areas New Zealand. Tourist numbers are growing and hopefully this fund can be used to assist with the development of eco-friendly operations".

"In coming years the people of the West Coast will be able to look back on this period as the turning point in their development as a major tourist destination in New Zealand" said Mr Chapple.

Forest and Bird is prepared to offer the Trust assistance and advice. "We want to see the West Coast move forward and develop in a sustainable way and are willing to help” said Mr Chapple.

End

Keith Chapple
President
Forest and Bird Society
172 Taranaki Street
PO Box 631
Wellington

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