Media release from WWF, the conservation organisation. 19 April 2004

Earth Day diary 2004: what's on in New Zealand

Thursday 22 April is World Earth Day. This day brings attention to the need to protect our planet's environment. WWF, the conservation organisation, continues to support community restoration projects throughout New Zealand through the Habitat Protection Fund, on behalf of the Tindall Foundation. There are over 80 projects in the scheme and over $800,000 has been distributed since 2000.

WWF encourages New Zealanders to take advantage of the school holidays and take their children out to join in the World Earth Day activities these community projects have organised.

Timaru

The Te Punatarakao Wetland Enhancement Project is gathering a number of rakatahi (young people) together at Te Punatarakao Wetland on Earth Day 22 April. They will learn about conservation issues, native plants, weed control and the importance of being guardians of the waterways. They will also plant trees and learn the history of the area. Contact Parris Heath if you'd like to participate, phone (03) 688 3211 or email: waihao.projects@xtra.co.nz

Golden Bay

Several Golden Bay groups are celebrating Earth Day by planting kowhai trees; they say these trees are a Maori symbol of peace. They are 'Putting the Gold back into Golden Bay' by planting kowhai trees in places of significance around Golden Bay. The trees on Earth Day will be planted by the coast outside the Pohara Hall, a natural area of great beauty, with sculptured limestone rocks and cliffs and a natural forest of rata nearby. Contact Jo-Anne Vaughan if you'd like to participate, phone (03) 524 8072 or email: javn@xtra.co.nz

Maitai Bay, Northland, East Coast

If you're looking for a weekend activity then join some of the members of NZ Underwater who are participating in Dive in to Earth Day activities organised by A to Z Diving on 24 April 2004. This is an international Earth Day event with activities taking place in more than 55 countries. Do your bit for the marine environment by joining the beach clean-up from 10.30 until 3.00pm at Maitai Bay 24 April. For more information about Dive in to Earth Day visit: http://www.coral.org/divein

"A key element for all our Habitat Protection Fund projects is to foster communities and individuals to take action to look after and restore our local ecosystem. Earth Day brings our attention to the importance of looking after our planet, but we need to continue to do so year round," says WWF Conservation Director, Chris Howe.

WWF supports World Earth Day and hopes everyone can do more to save our planet. Visit www.wwf.org.nz to find out more about the Habitat Protection Fund and how to take action.

ENDS

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