WSP Annual Community Day

On Wednesday 1 December, Horizons Regional Council biodiversity staff were joined by WSP to assist in mulching around native trees at Tōtara Reserve as part of their community volunteer day.

Tōtara Reserve is the only regional park in the Horizons Region and has over 350ha of native bush. It is a haven for native flora and fauna, with numerous bush walks, a swimming spot and popular camping ground.

WSP is a global consultancy business that employs 40 staff in the Manawatū and approx 5500 nationwide. The focus of their work is around infrastructure, construction and water projects happening within the region. They introduced an annual paid community volunteer day back in 2019 to empower its people to contribute back to society and the enviroment that they are so passionate about.

WSP staff member Kirstin Robinson  says  she was always keen to get out in to the community and staff have the choice to either attend a community volunteer day as a team or choose to donate time to a cause they are passionate about as an individual.

“Last year the Manawatū team got stuck in at the Awapuni Community Garden doing some weeding and planting of trees and in the past have been a part of stream clean ups,” says Mr Elms.

“I haven’t been to Tōtara Reserve for years so it’s great to be back and I can’t wait to now bring my family out to see the work we did today,”says Ms Manderson.

Horizons biodiversity community advisor Neil Mickleson says Council removed poplar trees at Tōtara Reserve to improve safety at the campground in 2020.

“We have since planted native seedlings, today’s mulching will assist by conserving soil moisture while suppressing weeds,” says Mr Mickleson.

“Since Covid a lot more staff are working from home and we are now more isolated than ever,” says Mrs Dennis

“Days like today help us to connect as a team in person and give back to the community.”

For anyone interested in being part of a community volunteer day please get in touch with us on free phone 0508 800 800.

More information on Tōtara Reserve can be found here.