Free space for enviro groups

Local environmental groups are being offered the chance to have a free promotional presence at this year’s Warkworth A&P Show, thanks to regional support organisation Restore Rodney East (RRE).

RRE was set up with Rodney Local Board funding two years ago to support and connect the many different environmental and conservation projects being run throughout the region.

As part of that, the group has taken a triplesize shared stand space at the A&P Show on March 18 to help local groups promote their activities free of charge.

RRE chair Tim Armitage says the initiative could give smaller community groups the platform they need to reach thousands of people for little or no outlay.

“Many of the big groups are able to pay for space but many cannot, so we’ve requested a large site where we’ll have gazebos and space available for those smaller parties,” wider community, sponsors and potential funders. Taking a space at the show could also help to meet funding application requirements or sponsorship obligations. Funding for the stand space is being supported by Auckland Council.

“Restore Rodney East is missioned to support the circa 45 environmental groups working locally, from Wenderholm in the south up to Te Arai in the north and all points in between, east of SH1,” Armitage explains.

“As part of that initiative, we’ve been given further assistance from Auckland Council so we can enable some of our smaller local groups to acquire a presence at the show.” He says RRE has already had a great response to the offer from a cross-section of parties, including FOAM (Friends of Awa Matakanakana), Pest Free Warkworth, Forest & Bird Warkworth and others. And Armitage says the stand will also be

“It will be great to highlight the fact these groups are there and for people to come in, engage with them and learn what

Any environmental group that would like to share space at the show should email RRE facilitator Sarah Churchouse at