Above: The same site at Barry Road in April, 2005

What is HELP?

HELP is a project initiated by the Company to promote and support local sustainable land use practices. A key feature of the project is its structure. HELP promotes an active partnership between industry, education and community groups.

How does HELP work?

Primary and secondary students and community groups identify local areas requiring habitat enhancement and landcare inputs. Helpers and supporters are involved in the planning, planting, aftercare and monitoring of selected sites.

Who needs HELP?

Every land use produces an impact on the environment. Many impacts may not be immediately obvious or may be minor. Accumulated, these impacts can have a larger effect on the environment. All land users need HELP: the skills, knowledge and attitudes which will protect and enhance our natural resources.

HELP was presented an Environmental Award by Environment Waikato in 1995 and 1996.

In 1998, HELP was runner-up in the National Young Conservationist of the Year Award run by the Department of Conservation.

Aim

To develop a programme that establishes a long term positive and productive partnership between business, education and community groups, working together to improve the local environment.

Above right: Waihi College students learning about native trees and shrubs, June 1995. Above left: Children from Waihi East School preparing a HELP site beside the Eastern Stream, Barry Road, Waihi in November 1995

Objectives

• Promote interaction between a wide range of groups from business, education, the community and public bodies, linking them to a common goal: enhancement of the local environment.
  
  
• Involve students in the evaluation of their local environment and in the planning of developments that will result in the beautification, land stabilisation and increased diversity of natural communities within the Waihi Basin.
  
  
• Provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes which will promote long-term guardianship of the environment.
  
  
• Provide eco-sourced plant material required for amenity and rehabilitation projects in and around Waihi.

Components of the Project:

• Organise interactions between school groups which will promote transfer of knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
  
  
• Field trips to a variety of forest remnants to introduce primary students to a forest ecology and to collect seed.
  
  
• Propagate plant material by seed sowing following appropriate pre-treatment.
  
  
• Community surveys and discussion with community groups to establish direction and priorities.
  
  
• Select and prepare sites for planting.
  
  
• Plant and provide immediate aftercare.

Number of Participants

The project currently involves over 450 students, teachers and many volunteers from the community. The Hauraki District Council, Waikato Regional Council and various conservation groups have also been involved in the planning and planting stages of projects.