Hamilton Hotel The Guardians Of Waikato Riverbank

1 June 2007

Hamilton Hotel The 'Guardians' Of Waikato Riverbank

Hamilton's Novotel Tainui hotel got their hands dirty for a good cause today by helping to plant more than 22, 000 plants and trees for Arbor Day, as part of the council's rejuvenation of certain areas of the city.

They also recently became the official 'guardians' of a stretch of riverbank on the mighty Waikato River.

Staff from the hotel joined together for their first event as the "Novotel Truggers" (Tree Huggers) last week joining Gerrad Kelly from Hamilton City Council's Parks and Recreation, who briefed the team on their new responsibilities as well as health and safety issues.

The 'adoption' of a section of the Waikato River bank is done in conjunction with the city council, and involves the Truggers keeping the area clean and tidy, removing rubbish, weeding, planting and general care and maintenance.

On induction day the team, who make up the hotel's official Environmental Action Group, filled a dozen bags with rubbish and even discovered an abandoned bike. All green waste will be taken to the local Organic Recycling. Next week the Novotel Truggers will be planting Kowhai trees along the Waikato River bank.

Novotel Tainui Hamilton General Manager Andrew Maynard says the initiative is a great way of getting hands on when it comes to the 'green' issue.

"People are becoming more and more concerned about environmental issues and it's important to take action rather than just talking about it. Our staff are very passionate about getting involved and making a difference – this is just one way we can do that."

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ENDS

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