Event planting a new alliance
CHALLENGE Wanaka athletes are likely to see more native trees sprouting up along the run course in coming years, thanks to a new partnership between the event and local trust Te Kakano.
Te Kakano is a communitybased plant nursery that restores natural habitats around the Upper Clutha through native planting, and has become Challenge Wanaka’s official partner, it was announced yesterday.
Through the partnership, athletes would be able to give money towards planting trees at Penrith Reserve, which would be visible to passing Challenge Wanaka runners.
Te Kakano spokeswoman Megan Williams said the trust was ‘‘really excited’’ about becoming the event’s official partner and believed it would be positive for the whole community.
‘‘What it means for us as an organisation is that we get fabulous sponsorship from Challenge Wanaka to plant more plants in the environment here which benefits all of us.’’
She was pleased Penrith Reserve would benefit.
‘‘It’s a special spot.’’ Challenge Wanaka commercial manager Anna Hiatt said Te Kakano was chosen as the event’s official partner because of its benefits for the environment.
‘‘We all need to be working towards creating a better environment’’.
She said both organisations would continue to identify areas on the course that could be beautified in the future through native planting.
The next Challenge Wanaka event is on February 16, 2019.