Pete Bethune to Launch Earthrace Conservation New Zealand

Christchurch hasn’t had much to celebrate lately. It is still a City in mourning, and remains under a state of Emergency, with businesses and homes destroyed, and essential services a distant dream for many. Add to this the loss of the Rugby World Cup, and one could be forgiven for thinking that Christchurch is unlikely to be anyone’s choice for a visit.

In early February this year Christchurch was chosen for the NZ launch of Pete Bethune’s new marine conservation organisation, Earthrace Conservation South Island, New Zealand (ECO SINZ).

Following the devastation of the 22nd of February earthquake, this event, like so many others, was in doubt. After careful deliberation, it was decided that a scaled down launch would be staged instead.

“We have already lost so much”, said ECO SINZ Director Marianne Robson “we didn’t want to cancel another event; we decided that a family picnic is just what Christchurch needs to get back some sense of normalcy. As well as information about marine conservation, there will also be a Guest Book, entitled ‘Thoughts for Christchurch’, where people can express their support and messages of hope for our beloved City”.

As well as launching Earthrace Conservation South Island, Pete will also launch Earthrace Conservation’s first campaign in NZ, ‘Swimming towards extinction? - Saving Maui’s dolphins’.

Bethune said, “If nothing is done, Maui’s dolphins could well become the 21st century’s dodo – how are we going to explain to our grandchildren that we did nothing to try and stop it?”

ECO SINZ will also be working with other groups around the world on campaigns to end the inhumane practice of shark finning, as well as illegal and unregulated fishing; ECO further aims to increase protection for endangered marine species such as dugongs and sea turtles.

The program is as follows:

12.00 Family picnic in Little Hagley Park; a chance to meet Pete Bethune, sign up for free membership of ECO, get information about ECO SINZ’s Maui's dolphins and shark finning campaigns

13.00 Official Earthrace Conservation, South Island, New Zealand launch by Pete Bethune; speech by Pete about ECO and current campaigns, followed by a question and answer session.

Everyone is welcome - bring the family and a picnic; take a deep breath and relax a while in the lovely setting of Little Hagley Park while learning about the latest developments in marine conservation.

Public enquiries/further information about ECO SINZ: www.facebook.com/earthracesinz

ENDS

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