Eugenie Sage visited Wanaka yesterday to hear from local groups doing their bit for the environment (Thursday September 17). 

The minister of conservation and land information and associate minister for the environment attended the event in Lake Hāwea before participating in a Green Party election event at Corbridge Woolshed last night.

Local groups and charities including Wanaka Backyard Trapping, Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust, WAI Wanaka and Southern Sanctuary each held presentations explaining the work they do. 

Eugenie said the groups, mostly made up of volunteers, were “incredibly inspiring”.

“What you have highlighted is the huge amount of effort that is going into restoring papatuanuku [mother earth],” she said. 

While the event was largely positive, Eugenie fielded some criticism over implementation of the Jobs for Nature fund. 

Announced as part of the COVID-19 recovery package, Jobs for Nature will provide $1.3B of broad environmental funding over the next four years. 

It will provide up to 11,000 jobs and economic support for people and communities across New Zealand and the Green Party “pushed really hard” to have it included in the recovery package, Eugenie said. 

Concerns about a lack of communication from central government and unwieldy requirements were gratefully received by Eugenie, who said she would return to Wellington with the feedback.

Eugenie told the Wanaka App one of the district’s big challenges was responding to the post-COVID environment, particularly the loss of jobs and the toll on individuals and families. 

“That’s why Jobs for Nature is so valuable here,” she said.

A number of Wanaka groups have already benefited from funding. Eugenie also announced $19.7M of Jobs for Nature funding is being invested in Kiwi conservation activities while in Queenstown yesterday morning.

Following the Lake Hāwea Community Centre presentation, Eugenie visited the Lake Hāwea foreshore to see new native restoration planting. 

PHOTO: Wanaka App