Environment Minister Marian Hobbs will present a $50,000 cheque to staff, volunteers and management at the Christchurch Environment Centre today.

This follows the joint announcement on May 29 by Marian Hobbs and Green Party co-leader, Rod Donald that nine environment centres throughout New Zealand will receive funding of $300,000 as part of last year’s Green Budget initiatives.

The grants' scheme, launched in March, helps centres, such as Christchurch's, provide environmental education resources and services to individuals, schools and community groups and businesses.

"This funding recognises the government's commitment to supporting environment centres providing environmental information and education to the community," Marian Hobbs said.

"It is fitting that the first centre to receive funding under the Ministry’s Grants for Environment Centres scheme should be the Christchurch Environment Centre. When it was established in 1973 it was the first of its kind in New Zealand and is the longest running.”

The $50,000 Grant will help cover the centre's general running costs and support a full time management position to oversee projects the centre is involved in and assist the many volunteers.

Rod Donald – who was the Christchurch centre’s first paid employee - said the grants' scheme recognises the good, centres already do in their communities.

"The grants will also enable new centres to get on their feet," Rod Donald said. "It's important to have a good spread of centres around the country so that they are accessible to the public.

"I'm delighted to join the Minister in wishing the Christchurch centre well."

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