The recent Porirua City Community Awards Ceremony recognised the contributions over fourteen years of the Guardians of Pauatahanui Inlet to the community's well-being. On November 2 Mayor Jenny Brash presented to John Wells, Chair of the Guardians, an attractive commemorative plaque and a cheque for $500.00.
GOPI were declared winners of the Heritage and Environment Award. On Melbourne Cup Day they were one of four organisations recognised in a ceremony at the Pataka Cultural Centre in Porirua. GOPI's nomination will now go forward to the Wellington Regional Awards, sponsored this year by Wellington Airport, the Wellington Community Trust and Porirua City Council.
The Guardians' submission proposed that major community benefit had been derived from its consistent and systematic advocacy and research activities since 1991. There had been heightened awareness - by local communities, by the local and regional councils, and by some national bodies - of the ecological value and fragility of the Pauatahanui Inlet. It was a jewel in the crown for Porirua City and a special resource unique to the south-western quarter of the North Island's coastline
The submission noted that Community Outcome 4 of the Porirua City Strategic Plan 2000-2010 proposes that 'The natural and physical environment is valued, clean, safe, attractive and sustainable'. Porirua City Council's Priority 4 affirms, 'Porirua's unique harbour, bush and stream environs are a key attraction for residents and visitors. Priorities will be the maintenance of the city's landscape, reserves, stream and harbour edges and the protection of the coastline and the harbours from pollution and degradation.'
In accepting the award, Guardians' Chair John Wells quoted from the submission and said, 'We are proud to stand on our record over fourteen years of systematic research, responsible advocacy, and our preparedness to get our feet wet and our hands dirty in the interest of the rehabilitation of Pauatahanui Inlet.'
Ken Rae
Publicity Officer, GOPI.
4a Paua Place
Plimmerton
233 9614
mary.rae@xtra.co.nz
