Staff News

Altis NZ Green Event - June 2009

On a very wet Tuesday 9th June, the Altis NZ team ventured into the bush to plant shrubs, clear weeds and become eco warriors. The event, run by Kaipatiki Environment Centre in North Shore, Auckland, allows companies to get involved in planting days around the various reserves, beaches and streams of Auckland’s North Shore.

The day started wet and got wetter, but we were not put off. The morning consisted of spreading seeds in growing trays, producing cuttings of native plants and trees then planting them, and dividing up ground cover shrubs into smaller pots. Others moved landscaping equipment and plants from the nursery into trailers. All of this under some cover from the down pours.

After a pleasant lunch, the rain seemed to subside so we steeled ourselves to get dirty out in two operations: clearing Kikuya grass weed from a stream area, and then planting and cleaning Witheford reserve. Unfortunately, just after setting out it started to rain again and by the end of the afternoon we were all soaked through - some of us getting quite muddy as well! Most of us were dressed appropriately for the occasion with our Altis caps and hats being very useful!

We shared the day with staff from the IAG Corporate Insurance department. Even though we all ended up like drowned rats, the Altis NZ team will be continuing our environmental activities with great enthusiasm but probably more often in the summer!

Altis and IAG - before

Sunita (in red) planting

Altis and IAG weeding

Stuart & Marcel weeding

Altis and IAG - after!

Paul - Altis Green Team NZ representative

Story by Paul.