Wellington rain does not deter Young Labour

The Young Labour Clarion tour has spent the day in Wellington at the foot of Mt Kaukau doing bush restoration with the Rainbow Gardeners despite persistent rain. Since Monday Young Labour members from around the country have been lending a hand to different community organisations.

Des Smith from Rainbow Gardeners, who organised today’s effort, said “It is great to see young people out there caring about the bush and thinking ahead. It is great that there are young people who are going to keep up this kind of work.”

The team of eleven Young Labour members worked with Des to clear ground and spread mulch to support the growth of native plants around Bell’s Track. Bell’s Track is part of only five percent of forests left in Wellington after settlers used the timber and burned the remaining land. The ground left behind was deprived of nutrients and much work is needed to help the bush recover.

“I really enjoy tramping and going on bush walks so it was really great to be able to actually give something back and help ensure the sort of native forest I enjoy flourishes”, said Young Labour member Andreas Triandafilidis.

Young Labour member Shona Jowett said it was hard work but well worth it. “There was a lot of rain but it was good to be a part of restoring these public bush walks. Des also had a good knowledge of plants and it was interesting to hear about some of our native species of flora and fauna”

Des said he appreciated the help. “It would be great if we could see all people spending more time looking after their surroundings, if every Sunday they spent two hours doing something to improve our environment”

The Young Labour Clarion tour will continue in the South Island over the next five days finishing in Christchurch on Friday

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