Water is focus for the week

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 447, 4 August 1992, Page 2

Water is focus for the week

Conservation Week 1992 is about caring for the Earth and what we can all do to mind and mend our world. The focus is on water, our most precious resource and vital to so many of our needs, particularly in the Tongariro/Taupo area. Numerous activities have been planned to mark Conservation Week 1992 in the Tongariro/Taupo area. While still in the planning stage the Department of Conservation invited several other local agencies to participate

and organise Conservation Week activities. "We're thrilled with the involvement of the District and Regional Councils," said DoC Senior Conservation Officer Lianne Campbell. "We've also had valuable input from the DSIR, the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Centre, the New Zealand Water Safety Council, Taupo Civil Defence, Trout Unlimited and the Tauhara Centre as well as support from local media.

"This kind of community involvement means that Conservation Week really can make a difference." All local schools have received resource kits from the Tongariro/Taupo Department of Conservation. These kits contain information on water, suggestions for activities, competition and activity details. As well as the more serious focus of Conservation Week, two

competitions, 'Create a Wacky Water Creature' and the 'Wonderful Water Photo Competition' have been organised. "Everyone can get involved in a Conservation Week activity," Ms Campbell said. "Something as simple as picking up a piece of paper on the beach does make a difference". Local activities for conservation week include poetry, writing and painting competitions, with most schools tak-

ing part, said DoC officer Rob McCallum. Berry's Bookshop has sponsored the painting competition and the winners will be displayed at the Goldfinch Street, Ohakune shop. The Ruapehu Bulletin has sponsored the poetry and writing competition and winning entries will be published in the Bulletin Mr McCallum said he would also be talking to school groups around the area about conservation.