Plants donated to replenish dunes

Bayfair Shopping Centre’s donation of 1000 plants to an environmental project at the bequest of shoppers reflects Bay of Plenty people’s commitment to protecting their natural environment.

The shopping centre is donating 1000 native dune plants towards a Coast Care dune replenishment project that will rebuild dunes and educate the public on how to care for the habitat.

Planting days will take place July 2-6 at a special dune location at Arataki Beach.

A free daily bus service to the beach will depart Bayfair at 11am each day.

Between now and July 5, the community is invited to book spaces in the daily project.

Project participants can also enter a photography competition which aims to capture the dune environment.

Photos will be displayed next to the Bayfair Information Desk until July 8, and the public can vote for their favourites.

The photo with the highest number of votes will win a $250 Bayfair gift card.

Complementing Earth Hour 2012’s global theme, Dare to Save the World - ‘I will if you will’ campaign, Bayfair asked shoppers to write a pledge describing ideas to reduce impacts on the environment.

Bayfair marketing manager Nina Rivett says the project provides an opportunity for a family event.

“The dune replenishment project is a great family school holiday activity that we’re proud to be a part of,” says Nina.

“Not only are you able to do something with your family to protect the wonderful beach at Arataki, but kids are able to let off some steam doing something physical outdoors.”

Senior land management officer at Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Mount Maunganui, Pim de Monchy, says he appreciates the partnership with Bayfair.

“It’s neat to see Bayfair joining in as a partner.”

Pim says it is important to educate people about how to care for the threatened habitat.

“We have lost about three quarters of that habitat in the Bay.

“There are native species that live there that don’t live anywhere else, so it is important that people know how special that dune environment is,” says Pim.