All Blacks and Philips dig deep

When: 11am-1pm, Sunday, 20 July 2008
Where: Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve
5 Paekakariki Hill Rd
Pauatahanui
(entrance between The Lighthouse Cinema and Challenge Petrol Station)

All Black captain Rodney So’oialo is doing his bit for conservation this weekend by helping school children plant trees for Philips New Zealand  at a Forest & Bird reserve.

So’oialo is leading school children and fellow All Black Neemia Tialata in the planting at Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve.  The primary school children at the planting are junior rugby players and scout cubs, and the arrival of the All Black stars will come as a surprise to them.

Philips commits to plant a tree with Forest & Bird for every 10 packs of energy-efficient light globes, promotional five-packs and specially marked promotional twin packs of energy-efficient halogen downlights sold. 

Philips’ Efficient Lighting Programme is designed to reduce electricity consumption by encouraging households to make a simple switch to more efficient lighting.

“Philips is committed to educating and empowering both children and their parents about the simple ways they can reduce energy consumption in the home,” Philips Lighting New Zealand Commercial Manager Gordon Wiffen said.

“Making the switch to the most energy-efficient lighting solutions will not only reduce the cost of a household energy bill it will also help to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Together with Forest & Bird and the Electricity Commission we will be taking this message around the country as we take positive steps to simultaneously reduce future energy use and help rejuvenate New Zealand’s wildlife.”

On Sunday, 200 plants from Philips will be planted, with thousands more due to be planted alongside a school education project planned with the Electricity Commission.

Forest & Bird has been restoring the Pauatahanui wetland since 1984 to improve the habitat for wading birds and other wildlife.  Until then, the area was a wasteland of rubbish and dumped soil, and was used as a go-kart track.

Wellington region Forest & Bird branches have restored the wetland, clearing drains and building ponds, islands, paths, boardwalks and hides for watching birds. Thousands of native plants have been planted.

Many native birds are now seen at the reserve, including pied stilts and white-faced herons, and fish and shellfish numbers have risen.

Media are welcome to attend the planting.

Contacts:

Forest & Bird Senior Fundraiser Kerin Welford, 021 400 941, 04 801 2212

Forest & Bird Communications Officer Marina Skinner, 021 792 260, 04 801 2761

Philips Corporate Communications Manager Sarah Campbell, Sydney, 61 421 612 994