Living Legends Lives On

Posted on 16 July 2012 | 0 Comments

Living Legends events will return in 2012 and see more than 45,000 native trees planted across 17 locations in New Zealand during August and September.

Living Legends is a community conservation project that was set up in 2011 to leave a legacy of New Zealand’s hosting of Rugby World Cup. During September 2011, 83,000 trees were planted across New Zealand as part of the Living Legends project.

Each planting project is dedicated to a regional ‘Rugby Legend’ who was selected in 2011 by their provincial rugby union.  These Rugby Legends are people who have made an outstanding contribution to rugby in New Zealand.

Living Legends will return to Auckland for two events in 2012.  The first is at Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf where another 3,500 native trees will be planted on 11 August with the Auckland Rugby Legend, Bryan (Beegee) Williams. The second is at Long Bay Regional Park with North Harbour Rugby Legend Buck Shelford on 18 August.

Devon McLean, Project Manager of Living Legends says that as well as celebrating rugby, the project will contribute hugely to conservation in New Zealand.  “Living Legends plantings will enhance some of our most special parks and reserves throughout New Zealand, these are places where we reflect, refresh and can escape the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. It is a wonderful project that will leave a legacy of New Zealand’s hosting of Rugby World Cup, and a gift to future generations.”  The target is to plant 170,000 trees as part of the project before the end of 2015.

Devon adds “There is no doubt that the work on Living Legends so far has been an outstanding success. The majority of sites show over 95% survival of plants and very good growth, largely due to the silver lining of our dismal summer, the trees loved it! Good quality plants from our nurseries and careful planting by our volunteers have ensured we made the best of the wet summer.”

The Living Legends project is only possible with the support of our partners and sponsors. Living Legends is a joint venture of Project Crimson, an environmental charity with 20 years experience in community-based native restoration projects, and The Tindall Foundation. Department of Conservation and Meridian Energy are major sponsors. The events are also supported by many local community groups who are actively involved on planting days, and as tree caretakers throughout the year.

 Visit www.livinglegends.co.nz to find out more about how you can take part in Living Legends planting events in 2012.

Events are free but Living Legends ask that people register on the website www.livinglegends.co.nz as spaces are limited to the Motuihe Island event due to ferry capacity.

Contact:  Melanie Seyfort, Marketing & Communications Manager, Living Legends 021-645875 or melanie@livinglegends.co.nz