Rugby legend back to complete conservation project

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Sunday September 1 will see rugby legend Richie Guy mucking in alongside local volunteers to complete the Living Legends planting project in Northland.

Living Legends is a conservation project established in 2011 to leave a legacy of New Zealand’s hosting of Rugby World Cup by planting trees with Rugby Legends in locations throughout New Zealand. A staggering 129,000 native trees have been planted so far.
 

Living Legends is returning to 14 locations across New Zealand to plant a further 41,000 native trees this year, completing the project.

Each planting project is dedicated to a rugby legend from the region. Richie Guy was selected as the Northland Rugby Legend and will be helping volunteers to complete the Living Legends planting project at Uretiti Rest Area on September 1. The area is located on State Highway 1 just south of Ruakaka and forms part of the Bream Bay coastal reserve and is a high priority for restoration. Following this year’s planting day, volunteers will have planted a total of 10,500 native trees at Uretiti as part of Living Legends.

Richie Guy says he is very happy to be part of the Living Legends project and is looking forward to attending the event this year.

“I attended the Living Legends events in 2011 and 2012; it’s a great day out. It’s a fantastic project that brings together rugby and conservation, and a privilege to be able to make a difference to New Zealand for generations to come.”

Living Legends welcomes volunteers to this event to help plant the trees. Anyone can take part and it is free to attend but people must register their interest. Registered volunteers will receive information on what they need to bring along and further detail about the day. Registrations for this event close midnight on Wednesday August 28.

Living Legends is a joint venture of Project Crimson and The Tindall Foundation. Major sponsors are the Department of Conservation and Meridian Energy. The events are also supported by many local community groups who are actively involved on planting days, and as tree caretakers throughout the year.

■ Northland Living Legends Event, September 1, 9am-12pm, Uretiti Rest Area, register at www.livinglegends.co.nz