Caring for the environment hits home

For immediate release: June 18 2007

Caring for the environment has special significance for Sandy Hohepa.

Through her job with Environment Bay of Plenty, the Kawerau mother has contributed to the establishment of a beautiful hilltop reserve that honours her town’s first Maori councillor.

A clean up of Monika Lanham Reserve was kick-started by funding from the regional council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund. The fund helped transform a hill overgrown with weeds into one flourishing with native trees and birds, turning it into one of Kawerau’s more popular scenic spots.

The Ngati Pikiao descendant says working as the Environmental Enhancement Fund
administration officer has also influenced her whanau.

“Now I encourage my children to plant tree seedlings and I am proud that such a simple act has created something beautiful for my whole community.”

Miss Hohepa says the project brought schools, local scouts, pre-school groups, community groups and citizens together.

“It’s been a worthwhile investment in my community.

“Kawerau District Council has also done a fantastic job driving the project, maintaining the reserve, and encouraging public participation.”

The fund allocates $450,000 each year – making it one of the largest funds of its kind nationwide. More than two hundred Bay of Plenty projects have received $5 million in the past seven years for a range of initiatives including wetland restoration, education workshops and heritage work. Many Maori have benefited with 53 groups receiving funding.

Environment Bay of Plenty’s Community Engagement Coordinator Kathryn Howard and
Miss Hohepa are holding workshops throughout the Bay of Plenty next month to promote the fund. It opens for another round of applications on June 25.

Miss Hohepa says iwi, businesses, community groups and local authorities should apply if they wish to run environmental projects.

Fund applications close on August 6. For more information, phone Environment Bay of Plenty on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or go to www.envbop.govt.nz.

ENDS

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