Don's helping hand for nature

WAIRARAPA man Don Bell makes a positive difference to the environment every day, and now he has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award.

Mr Bell worked in the land management department for the Greater Wellington Regional Council for many years. Since retiring three years ago, he has been involved in several restoration and planting projects in Wairarapa.

One of the larger projects he is involved in is the Mangatarere Stream restoration in Carterton, with plants sourced from his plot at Norfolk Rd Native Nursery in the district.

An anonymous person who nominated Mr Bell for the award said the project could not have been done without him.

"Without Don's expertise, we would not have succeeded in the way we have. Don is always an enthusiastic voice on the end of the phone, keen to give advice to the Mangatarere Restoration Society so that our community planting projects are delivered in a sustainable way."

"Don donates many weekends planting and many nights as part of the management team. He understands that we must achieve success early, so that we can showcase our riparian development areas to inspire the community through the work we are doing."

Mr Bell said he was still involved with environmental projects because he wanted to create a sustainable environment for others to enjoy but he also enjoyed the company of others involved in the projects.

"You meet some really good people with great talents."

The restoration society consists of a 220-strong management team, with members from Federated Farmers, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Carterton District Council, Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Forest and Bird, Sustainable Wairarapa and community representatives.

Mr Bell said he was "humbled" by the Pride of New Zealand nomination but did not do what he does for the accolades. "You never expect something like this. You do it for the love of it."