MEDIA RELEASE

Coast Care to receive a good dose of help
For immediate release: 2 November 2009

The great work that’s being done by Coast Care Bay of Plenty is about to be given a helping hand as part of BNZ’s volunteer day, ‘Closed for Good’.

More than 50 staff members from the Tauranga and Whakatāne branches are expected to be helping Coast Care Bay of Plenty to restore dune plants along the coast from Pukehina to Whakatāne.

BNZ Tauranga partner Ross Edwards said BNZ had asked for project submissions from communities all over New Zealand that they could help with.

“Closed for Good is a unique way for New Zealand communities to get help from BNZ. On Wednesday 4 November, we’re closing our branches and offices so we won’t be working for BNZ, we’ll be working for our community.”

Coast Care Coordinator Pim de Monchy said it’s great to have further involvement in what is already a very community-focused programme.

“We’ve grouped staff from BNZ with supervisors from the local councils and the Department of Conservation to apply fertiliser (donated by Ballance Agri-nutrients) to the native plants, and clear some of the weeds that threaten them.

“This work will improve the natural character of the Bay of Plenty's beaches by helping to bring back the native plants that belong there. It will improve the resilience of the dunes to coastal erosion, improve the habitat for native biodiversity and raise awareness of the form and function of dune ecosystems.

“The Bay of Plenty is famous for its awesome beaches so we need to make sure they’re in good condition. We’ll be able to achieve a lot in one day with the generous help of BNZ staff,” said Mr de Monchy.

For further information on BNZ’s Closed for Good go to www.closedforgood.org or for further information on Coast Care Bay of Plenty go to www.envbop.govt.nz/sustainable-communities/coast-care.aspx.

ENDS

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