3 October 2007

Aucklanders Help Clean New Zealand Air

Around 500 trees were planted at the inaugural Hubbards Carbon Crusade event held at Pakiri Beach on 29 September.

The Auckland event was the first of a series of three events which involved people either walking or running along a 15km off-road track and planting four native trees to help off-set their personal carbon footprint.

Event organiser, Callum Anderson, said the event was the first of its kind in New Zealand.

“The route took participants through sand dunes, across white sandy beaches and along farm and bush tracks” said Callum.

A mixture of Cabbage and Pohutukawa trees were planted during the event.

Te Atatu resident and rugby referee, Anthony Sowerby, was the first to finish the run in a time of 1:03. He competed in the event as part of a team entry for AMP Capital Investors.

He said he decided to take part in the event because he believes that by making small changes everyone can play a part in making the country a better place to live.

“The concept of making a contribution to the environment is great. I understand that this may not help to off-set all of my carbon footprint but at least it’s a start,” Anthony said.

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