Motor dealer helps keep the Bay green | Hawkes Bay News | Local News in Hawkes Bay

Hawke's Bay is 17,000 trees richer, thanks to a programme running since 2004, which has provided more than $84,000 through the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's planting programme.

Russell Greer, who owns Russell Greer Honda, presented a cheque for $6090 to council operations environmental manager Stephen Cave to restore biodiversity in the region last week.

The national Honda TreeFund programme plants 13 native trees for every new car sold and 420,000 trees have been planted nationwide.

Honda NZ managing director Graeme Seymour said the company was committed to the environment, and was not about offsetting greenhouse gases.

"The TreeFund is our way of getting together with local communities to help them improve the biodiversity, water quality and other environment concerns," he said.

Most of the local funding has gone to Tutira Park, which has flourished under the added attention.

Mr Greer said the company often had planting days and barbecues for staff and customers.

"Our staff get behind it and our customers come out and bring their families. Sometimes we get three generations out there helping," he said.

The staff felt a strong connection to the park now.

"I haven't been out in a while, but I'd like to see the progress," he said. "Everyone's proud of the difference we've made."

He was impressed with the regional council's efforts, especially the "fantastic" wetlands work.

Mr Cave said the change at Tutira had been great and the company's contribution had helped the council's regeneration programme for the park.

"Planting in the wetland margins and on the erosion-prone slopes in that area is helping improve water quality in the lakes," he said. "Honda should be very proud of their efforts."