23 February 2016

Award-winning filmmaker in town for Children’s Garden fundraiser

In today’s world every parent knows the difficulty of distracting their child from screens and technology. And most parents still remember their own childhood – climbing trees and exploring the bush.

The Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden are leading efforts to ensure that future generations of Wellingtonians don’t miss out on those early opportunities to connect with nature.

“The Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden have spearheaded the Children’s Garden project. It goes to the heart of what a botanic garden is all about – connecting and educating communities on the importance of plants within our everyday lives” says Rob Hole, the President of the Friends.

Following wide community consultations, fund raising and detailed planning, Stage One construction is due to commence in autumn. This will include the basic infrastructure and services, the Learning Pavilion and teaching elements of the Garden. Additional features such as a rain garden, treepods, insect hotels and outdoor picnic facilities will follow in Stages Two and Three as funds come to hand, but the Garden will be ready to receive its first visitors, young and old, before the end of the year.

The latest fundraising initiative for the Children’s Garden is an evening with award-winning UK filmmaker David Bond. David’s film Project Wild Thing is a hilarious real-life story of one man’s determination to get children out and into nature. The documentary sparked a movement – the Wild Network – an ever-growing group of people on a mission to “re-wild childhood”. Now the man at the heart of this grassroots revolution is heading to Wellington for Parks Week, to show his documentary, share his experiences, and help raise money for the Children’s Garden.

“David epitomises the ethos behind our Children’s Garden so we feel honoured to have him as a guest during his tour of New Zealand” says Ann McLean, Treasurer of the Friends.

If you would like to support the Children’s Garden and meet David Bond then come along to the fundraiser on Wednesday 9 March, 5.30pm at Victoria University. Your ticket price helps to support the Friends’ fundraising efforts, a screening of the 54-minute film and a Q&A with David.

To purchase tickets visit:
http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/project-wild-thing-film-and-q-a-with-filmmaker-parks-week/wellington

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