29 February 2008

Strictly embargoed till 7.00pm Friday 29 February

Westland District Council wins Barnita Trust and Keep New Zealand Beautiful Trophy

Westland District Council’s “fantastic attitude and presentation” scooped all other New Zealand local bodies to take the Barnita Trust / Keep New Zealand Beautiful trophy at a Beehive function tonight.

The Barnita Trust / Keep New Zealand Beautiful Trophy is the society’s premier trophy, awarded to the local body that does most to promote the abatement of litter, during KNZB Clean Up Week, or consistently throughout the year.

Trust member and Keep New Zealand Beautiful chief executive, Barry Lucinsky, says Westland District Council, based in Greymouth, stood out with its entry.

“They had such a fantastic attitude and were so positive about their environmental efforts that they outshone all other entries.”

Mr. Lucinsky says Westland District Council has a large urban and rural area to cover, rather than the largely urban character of many of the bigger councils. “They had a big back yard to work on.”

Mr. Lucinsky says the attitude is heartening, particularly as it comes from a part of New Zealand that attracts large numbers of tourists. “Tourists don’t hop a 747 to come here to look at graffiti or plastic shopping bags bouncing along the street in the breeze. They come here because they think we have scenery and activities to die for. Isn’t it fantastic that Westland District Council recognizes this and strives to deliver an environment for them and for their own people?”

Mr. Lucinsky has praised the efforts from the council’s mayor, councillors and staff, saying they all attacked their task with enthusiasm and good planning.

The Barnita Trust and KNZB presented the trophy at Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s function at the Beehive on Friday, 29 February.

ENDS

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