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EMBARGOED UNTIL 7PM
WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST

CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS RECOGNISED

Conservation Minister Nick Smith today presented this year's Wellington Regional Conservation Award to the Trelissick Park/Ngaio Gorge Working Group, a group of Wellington volunteers with ten years' commitment to planting trees and controlling weeds and pests in their neighbourhood.

"The efforts of the Trelissick Park/Ngaio Gorge Working Group to restore Trelissick Park is an outstanding example of long term dedication to a conservation project and how native ecosystems can be nurtured in our own backyards."

The award recognises the efforts of individuals and groups to long term sustained conservation projects in the Wellington region and is given by the Wellington Regional Environmental Agency (WREA), environmental representatives of all local authorities within boundaries of Wellington Regional Council and by the Department of Conservation.

"The working group has demonstrated a determination to network with the local community. They've created newsletters and even an 'adopt the spot initiative' which aims to get people to look after a chosen area. The group also works with the Wellington City Council and acts as an advocate for the management of the Kaiwharawhara stream catchment."

The nine finalists for the Award were presented with certificates of recognition. Finalists included the Island Bay Marine Education Centre, East Harbour Environmental Association, Grounds Maintenance Services (contractors to Hutt City Council), Colin Scadden (ornithologist), Trevor Thompson (Wairarapa community conservation corps), Ngapine Tarawa Trust Okautete Native Bush Reserve, Nigel Clark (trees for survival programme) and Staglands Wildlife Reserve. The WREA presented a supplementary award to Don Richards and Ron Wells for their commitment to litter control and promoting beach clean-ups in the region.

"These awards celebrate the tremendous effort of all the groups and individuals who have taken up the challenge to turn the tide in the Wellington region. I don't envy the judges the task of choosing just one winner with the incredible spectrum of projects nominated."

ENDS

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