The Weedbusters award will be presented to the Enhancement Group on Sunday 22 June at an event on Kurow Island.
Sandy Cameron, one of the enthusiastic members of the Kurow Town Enhancement Group, says the community is very excited by the project and delighted with the Weedbusters award.
“It is great to receive recognition for something that is so positive for the environment and the community. We recognised the Island had huge potential both environmentally and for recreation and tourism, including fishing, jet boating, picnic areas, cycling and walkways,” says Sandy Cameron.
“As islands are an integral part of a braided river system, there is also the opportunity for the development of environmental educational opportunities, including bird and native flora studies.
“Meridian were very supportive right from the word go and provided help and funding through its Waitaki Community Fund. This also enabled a landscape management plan with clear objectives and goals to be developed.”
Mark France, chair of the Waitaki Community Fund, says the project is a very good example of the community and environmental enhancement envisaged by Meridian when it established the fund in 2006.
“It is great to see so many people and organisations working together to achieve a common goal. From being a weed-infested abandoned rubbish dump the island has been transformed over the past year into a fantastic recreational asset for the local community,” says Mark France.
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For further enquiries call:
Claire Shaw
External Relations Manager
021 370 677
About the Waitaki Community Fund
The Meridian Waitaki Community Fund is to the value of $1 million over three years, and is managed by a panel of community members and Meridian Energy staff who work in partnership to help decide which local initiatives are supported.
You can find out more about the Meridian Waitaki Community Fund here or email community.fund@meridianenergy.co.nz or call 03 357 9732.