Ashburton/Hakatere River mouth Seaweek event March 2

Mid Canterbury people are being encouraged to re-discover the Hakatere/Ashburton river mouth as a way of celebrating Seaweek, at the start of March.

Seaweek is a national event. Held annually, it aims to raise awareness of the coast and ocean and encourages all New Zealanders to help look after their local marine areas.

Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation, the Forest and Bird Society, the Central South Island Fish and Game Council and Wastebusters Canterbury are working in partnership to host this free family event on Sunday, March 2, 2008.

A variety of activities will be provided, including bird watching, invertebrate study in the local river, an electric fishing demonstration and the opportunity to create environmental art with the resources found on site.

ECan educator for sustainability, Debbie Eddington hopes the event will raise awareness and an appreciation of the diverse values of the area.

“We also want people to think about how human activities impact upon the area and its ecosystems.”

A barbecue lunch will be provided and bookings are essential as numbers are limited to 55.

Further information: Debbie Eddington, ECan Educator for Sustainability, (03) 684 0513, debbie.eddington@ecan.govt.nz  

More on Seaweek nationally and the farewell to the godwits event Southshore spit, Christchurch March 9: www.seaweek.org.nz