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Hutt News

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Hutt News

Community groups involved in local ecological restoration are being invited to join a shared network.

The aim is to build and co-ordinate conservation awarenes and involvement in urban Wellington, Hutt Valley and the Kapiti Coast. The network will comprise community groups/organisations, the Department of Conservation, Wellington Regional council and supporting local councils.

DOC community relations officer Annabel Riley said the network, initially co-co-ordinated by DOC, will provide an opportunity for groups to share skills, experience and knowledge. it will also provide and distribute useful resources where there is a common need, including advice, educational material, group directory,calendar of events and an up to-date website.

The Lower Hutt branch of Forest and Bird is keen to be a part. Chairman Stan Butcher said that since 1981 members have been revegetating Matiu/Somes Island "and look forward to being able to share our experience and gain knowledge from other groups".

To kick off, workshops will be held on three consecutive nights in February. Mike Peters who pioneered the successful New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network (NZERN) based in Christchurch, will be a guest speaker.

NZERN grew out of eight neighbouring Christchurch families who joined up their backyards to plant native trees and shrubs. Five years later the national network has over 105 group members with over 3000 affiliated members and provides a wide range of ongoing support.

Keywords
NZERN  Department of Conservation 

Updated 20/11/2008 4.11AM by PIPI4