Northland Couple Honoured

Forest and Bird, Issue 296, 1 May 2000, Page 5

Northland Couple Honoured

al and Arthur Dunn have stalwarts of the Mid North branch of Forest and Bird since the mid-1980s, but their receipt of Queen’s Service Medals also recognises wider community service in the Puhoi district, just north of Auckland. As farmers they have also gifted two valuable reserves. The Dunns bought their Puhoi farm in 1972, and immediately became involved in a range of activities including sports administration, (particularly rugby), the local domain board, the A&P show, and the centennial hall. They have also been active in pest control, Puhoi Landcare and beautification groups, growing thousands of native plants for replanting projects, and to raise funds for Forest and Bird. Arthur Dunn served on the Mid-North Forest and Bird committee from 1987-99, Val for a year less. During this time Arthur also served as branch vice chairman and as a national councillor. Their gift of 11.4 hectares of for-

est created what is now Remiger Bush Scenic Reserve, a forest dominated by taraire, with kahikatea, titoki, a few totara and northern rata. Dunns’ Bush was gifted to the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust to protect 92 hectares, again dominated by taraire but including 160 tree and plant species. Being farmers has helped them in persuading the community and local councils to protect nature. ‘Submissions on resource consents are important ways in helping to restore our natural environment, they say.