Rosie Dawson-Hewes, Bay News Editor. Photo/George Novak
Rosie Dawson-Hewes, Bay News Editor. Photo/George Novak
It's funny how the values your parents teach you as a kid have a tendency to stick.
I didn't realise it growing up, but my parents definitely taught me a love of our natural environment. They always recycled. My mother only planted natives in our garden. I was a memberof the Kiwi Conservation Club.
I remember many weekends spent on bush walks, or planting trees. I never really thought much of it at the time, but now I look back, I'm incredibly grateful my parents paid for my KCC membership all those years.
I loved reading the newsletters about all our native birds and animals. And I loved getting out into the New Zealand wilderness.
My love of the outdoors was reignited when we decided to live in the Bay. The rugged beauty of our beaches in winter. The breathtaking views from the top of Mauao. The leafy joy that comes from meandering the tracks in McLaren Falls Park.
The opportunities to explore our natural environment in this region are endless. And while I'm far less likely to go bushwhacking now than I was as a kid, I still have a very real sense of responsibility for our environment.
We are the guardians of this land. We are not its only inhabitants. And we have a responsibility to look after it so future Kiwis can enjoy it in years to come.
We also have a responsibility to teach our kids to respect our environment. You can start by entering yours in our draw to win a KCC membership.
MEMBERSHIP GIVEAWAY Forest & Bird is giving away five Kiwi Conservation Club memberships to local 5 to 12- ear-olds. To enter the draw, send your name and email, including the name and age of the child, to promotions@bayofplentytimes.co.nz with 'KCC' in the subject line by 10am Wednesday, April 6.
