August 2011

Honda New Zealand has contributed another $11,320 to native tree planting in the Waikato, only a slight reduction on last year’s $12,010 despite the ongoing tougher economic times.

“This ongoing support is very useful in terms of providing funds for local groups wanting to undertake environmental protection initiatives involving tree planting,” said council sustainable agriculture coordinator Bala Tikkisetty.

Under its Honda Tree Fund scheme, the company funds the planting of ten native trees for every new Honda car sold in New Zealand. Cash is allocated to regions based on how many cars are sold in different parts of the country. Waikato Regional Council helps allocate the region’s share of the funds to local community groups.

“This cash – which now totals almost $195,000 over seven years in our region – helps the environment by providing such benefits as water quality protection and erosion control,” said Mr Tikkisetty.

Our attached picture from the cheque handover ceremony in Hamilton this week shows (left to right) Ingham Honda sales manager Joseph Aranga, regional council chairman Peter Buckley, policy committee chair Paula Southgate and Ingham Honda general manager Mick Ruane.

ENDS

© Scoop Media