Council recognised for environmental excellence at LGNZ awards

Rangitīkei District Council has received a highly commended in the environmental category at the Local Government New Zealand awards held over the weekend. The acknowledgement comes off of the back of the Tutaenui Reservoir Restoration Project which has seen a previously unused raw water source turned into a recreation playground.

Council’s Park & Reserves Manager Murray Phillips said ‘’the project was a wonderful demonstration of what can be achieved when the community works together.”

“Council staff, contractors, the Tutaenui Restoration Society, and volunteers from the wider community have all mucked in to plant in excess of 50,000 native trees and clear rogue trees and pine seedlings.”

Following public interest, work began in 2018 to build tracks and revitalise the space including undertaking predator and weed control and the installing a bridge, kiosk, picnic tables and seating.

The reservoir sits 10 minutes North of Marton township and is a supply for local drinking water, prior to the completion of the project it has not been open to public use for decades.

“It’s great to see the community really get behind this project whether it’s volunteering hours to plant trees or taking the dog for a walk on the weekend.”

“We know our recreation spaces contribute in making this place home and we value the role they play in our connection with our natural environment. We want to work with our communities to improve these spaces so they can continue to provide the environmental and wellbeing benefits for our district as it grows and changes.” said Mayor Andy Watson.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, head out to the reserve for a walk or a bike. Or, if you’re interested in volunteering we have some planting days coming up. Visit the Tutaenui Restoration Society Facebook page to stay up to date.