Tree Donation Lifts Staff Spirits

Staff at Council’s southern offices have been delighted by the donation of three Pittosporum trees to help replace the plants lost from the vandalism at the Raetihi recreation reserve and playground two weeks ago.

Ruapehu District Council Team Leader Property Rebecca Van Orden said that the trees were donated by a local resident who had grown them herself.

“This amazing gesture has really helped lift staff spirits especially at our Raetihi office which was also a target in the recent spate of vandalism with smashed windows, shrubs pulled out of planter boxes and most disgustingly someone defecating in the back entrance area,” she said.

“When your place of work is targeted in this way staff can feel quite threatened and unsafe.”

“The donation of the trees has really helped remind the staff that the vast majority of the local community appreciate and respect the work they do on their behalf.”

“To give them the trees the best chance of success they will be planted in early autumn when we are past the worst of the long, hot, dry days.”

ENDS

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