NZAS employees provide a helping hand

20 October 2004

NZAS employees provide a helping hand to the Kakapo Recovery Team

Support for the Kakapo steps up a gear today with the launch of an active partnership between New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) Ltd and the Kakapo Recovery Team.

NZAS employee Aaron Smith is the first of a series of volunteers who will trade in manufacturing aluminium for two weeks in the rugged bush of Codfish Island looking after kakapo.

Aaron Smith says he feels very privileged to be given the opportunity to help with the programme. “I have heard a lot about the kakapo from working at NZAS but the opportunity to spend time on Codfish Island and see one first hand is the chance of a lifetime”.

“The move to a more active partnership reflects Comalco and NZAS’ ongoing commitment to the Kakapo Recovery Programme,” says Comalco Chief Operating Officer Tom Campbell.

“The Kakapo Recovery team are incredibly dedicated professionals and this partnership offers a unique opportunity for our employees to contribute to the fight to save New Zealand’s unique flightless parrot.

“Comalco has supported the Kakapo Recovery programme financially since 1990 but there was a strong drive from our team at the smelter for more hands on involvement.”

Kakapo Recovery team leader Paul Jansen sees the inclusion of NZAS staff as providing many advantages for the kakapo recovery programme.

“Creating a stronger link with the Southland community, through local ownership of the programme, and having an even bigger team of dedicated supporters to assist with the birds and island equipment, is fantastic, ” Mr Jansen said.

ENDS

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