While Rugby World Cup 2011 was kicking off, thousands of New Zealanders were ‘mucking in’ with Rugby Legends as they planted native trees and shrubs around the country.
Living Legends coordinated 17 native tree planting projects during Rugby World Cup 2011. Each planting project is dedicated to a Rugby Legend, chosen for their significant contribution to rugby in New Zealand.
The Legend for the Auckland planting on Motuihe Island was Bryan Williams, who joined the All Blacks when he was 19. When asked if he could give one piece of advice to young people of New Zealand, Bryan said “have dreams, set goals, and work hard to realise them”.
Over 400 volunteers took the ferry to Motuihe Island and planted 6,500 native plants. More than 5000 volunteers registered throughout New Zealand for the Living Legends project.
The idea for Living Legends was birthed in 2009, when The Tindall Foundation asked conservation organisation Project Crimson to lead a project that would create a green legacy during Rugby World Cup 2011. Merdian and the Department of Conservation then joined the project to give New Zealanders and international visitors the opportunity to enjoy and contribute to the environment.
“The benefit of an extra 83,000 native plants across the country is extraordinary, and with so many people involved in the plantings, they will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Devon McLean, Project Manager.
For more information contact: Devon McLean, Project Manager
Email: devon@livinglegends.co.nz
Website: www.livinglegends.co.nz