Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister for the Environment

24 April 2008 Media Statement

World Environment Day events in the regions

More than 100 school and community projects around the country will mark New Zealand's hosting of World Environment Day on June 5 and receive government funding, Environment Minister Trevor Mallard announced today.

"Events to celebrate World Environment Day are coming to regions around the country with some help from government funding. It is great to see local communities taking such enthusiastic interest in New Zealand's hosting of this international event by organising their own local projects," Trevor Mallard said.

Funding was made available to assist organisations, groups, schools and early childhood education centres who wished to undertake an event or activity during the week of World Environment Day (2 to 8 June 2008). Trevor Mallard announced the successful applicants from the first funding round on 2 April. The second and final funding round has now closed and successful applicants have been approved.
"The projects and events will receive support through a $1 million government fund in the lead-up to June 5 when we will mark the first time New Zealand has ever hosted this important international United Nations event," Trevor Mallard said.

"Word Environment Day is an opportunity to bring the world’s communities together to find new ways to protect our environment and form stronger networks to support and build on the work that is already underway. Various sectors in New Zealand have introduced innovations towards combating climate change, and this is our chance to share them internationally.

"It is also a great opportunity for New Zealanders to showcase the positive things we are doing nationally, regionally and internationally to promote sustainability and reduce the impacts of climate change.

"The interest that councils, business, communities and schools have displayed in World Environment Day 2008 highlights New Zealand’s increasing focus on our commitment to looking after the environment in a sustainable way. Even small steps for sustainability, when undertaken by many, can make a big difference.

"We are proud to host World Environment Day. The government is committed to working towards a carbon neutral New Zealand and sustainable development through various different initiatives, including the proposed Emissions Trading Scheme, as well as household and business sustainability programmes.

"I encourage all New Zealanders to get on board to mark this important internationally recognised annual event," Trevor Mallard said.

More details on World Environment Day including a calendar showing the build-up of events in New Zealand can be found at www.world.environment.govt.nz.

Background information to World Environment Day follows.

The full list of World Environment Day events in regions around the country that have received government funding is attached

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Background to World Environment Day, June 05 2008

This is the first time New Zealand has hosted the United Nations Environment Programme event since its establishment in 1972.

The World Environment Day theme for 2008 is ‘Working Towards a Low Carbon Economy’.

Core events so far include:
* The Art for the Environment Exhibition with works from renowned international artists
* Photographic exhibition from the UNEP International Photographic Competition on the Environment
* International children’s painting competition
* The Green Ribbon Awards, to be held on 5 June at the Wellington Town Hall
* A Leadership in Climate Change Solutions symposium, organised by the Hillary Institute
* An Auckland Business and Science Leaders Breakfast on the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, presented by the Victoria University of Wellington Institute of Policy Studies, in collaboration with the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute.

Guests:
A number of high profile international guests and journalists will be in New Zealand to help celebrate World Environment Day 2008. Dr Rajendra Pauchari (United Nations Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change Nobel laureate), Achim Steiner (United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director) and President Tong of Kiribati have been confirmed so far.

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List of approved applications (PDF)

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