Battle for milk
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not keen on giving any ground to its competitors in the country.
This week the team from Te Whangai Trust will carry out extensive planting work at Lake Ruatuna, part of the Waikato Peat Lakes network (described as ‘acutely threatened’ under the Land Environments of New Zealand’s threatened environments classification).
Te Whangai Trust founders Gary and Adrienne Dalton says, “As Fonterra farmers it means a lot to us to be part of this important restoration project. We’re very grateful for Fonterra and DOC’s support of Te Whangai’s vision and our mutual passion for social and environmental good.”
Living Water Site Lead Mike Paviour said Te Whangai’s work in the restoration delivers multiple benefits.
“We’re thrilled to have Te Whangai out here on the peat lakes. We get a real buzz out of working with these guys…especially because of the whole social factor,” says Paviour.
Te Whangai Trust, the Pūkorokoro Miranda based charitable organisation trains its participants in sustainable agriculture, horticulture and environmental management - preparing and helping them gain full time employment.
“It’s not just the environmental restoration and biodiversity aspect we like – but the holistic view of what Te Whangai stand for and what they’re doing to help people,” says Paviour.
By the end of the project, the team will have placed 20,000 new natives in the ground, including significant planting on the newly formed silt traps, which help prevent sediment entering and polluting the lake.
“Engaging the same team who raise and care for the plants to also invest their time into the restoration work connects all the pieces…people, place and restoring our environment,” says Paviour.
“It’s good business. You have a good job done, at a good price and all parties gain in multiple ways, including future generations who’ll get to visit and enjoy these wonderful conservation areas.”
Earlier this year, Te Whangai won the Ministry for the Environment’s Green Ribbon award for their biodiversity training programme tag-lined ‘Nurture the land, give life to the people’.
