Community invited to join staff for World Rivers Day

MEDIA RELEASE
Horizons Regional Council

Monday 15 September, 2014

Community invited to join Horizons staff for World Rivers Day

Horizons Regional Council is inviting the public to join their staff at local river sites to celebrate World Rivers Day on Monday 29 September.

Horizons staff will spend the morning mulching, clearing weeds and planting to mark the day that aims to highlight the value of rivers, increase public awareness and encourage stewardship of rivers around the world.

Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney says World Rivers Day provides the opportunity for all of Horizons staff to get involved with caring for the Region’s waterways.

“There are a number of teams at Horizons that work to improve our rivers and streams on a daily basis,” says Mr McCartney.

“This time all staff are invited to attend so everyone can have a hands on experience in improving the health of our waterways. We are slowly starting to see an improvement in our rivers thanks to the combined efforts of Horizons, industry, the community and iwi - this day helps to celebrate that.”

A report to Horizons’ Environment Committee this week showed Horizons freshwater team worked with 126 individuals, community groups and iwi in 2013-14.

“Considering the team’s target for the year was 10 groups, this figure highlights the community’s interest in looking after our environment. It is an increasing trend and one we here at Horizons are encouraged to support,” says Mr McCartney.

“When you add to that 98 dairy farmers who have had whole farm plans done, 160 landowners who have fenced waterways and 420 public who attended planting days, the number of interested parties who have combined efforts with our staff is over 800.

“We know how keen our communities are to improve the health and mana of our rivers so we’d love to see the public join us for the morning.”

All are welcome to join Horizons staff at the following sites from 9.30am. Please bring gumboots, a spade and gardening gloves:

Manawatu District

• City walkway beneath Ashhurst Bridge, Ashhurst

• Waitoetoe Park, Dittmer Drive, Palmerston North

Rangitikei District

• 448 Taylor Road, Sanson

Wanganui District

• Papaiti Road (800m past Waireka Road turnoff), Wanganui

Ruapehu District

• Cherry Grove, Taumarunui

ENDS

© Scoop Media