Honda helps drive planting

Spades were out in force at Pit Park on Saturday as Honda representatives mucked in alongside Horizons Regional Council, Pit Park People Society Incorporated and Dera Sacha Sauda to plant 3,500 native plants.

2,000 of these plants were donated under the Honda TreeFund initiative where Honda New Zealand donates 10 native trees for every new car sold, the local dealer funds three and the customer is invited to contribute as many as they’d like.

Horizons environmental coordinator Aaron Madden says initiatives like Honda’s TreeFund are fantastic in enabling communities and the council to extend tree planting efforts.

“The community group behind Pit Park’s restoration, led by Marise Clark, have a huge amount of passion but very little funding,” he says.

Marise Clark, chairperson of Pit Park People Society Incorporated, says the group is really appreciative of Honda’s donation.

“Contributions like the one made by Honda have enabled our group to purchase specific native species that may not be donated otherwise which is extremely helpful,” she says.

Honda Cars Manawatu General Manager Mick Ruane says the first Honda planting took place at the Park six years ago and nearly 600,000 trees have been planted nationwide since the TreeFund’s inception.

“For us it’s just a good thing to do. The results absolutely speak for themselves and we’re happy to support projects like this one that not only enhance the environment but bring the community together,” he says.

More information about the Honda TreeFund is available online via http://www.honda.co.nz/environment/treefund/

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