Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Henderson Valley congregation (ward) were recently recognised for their contribution to environmental beautification in their community.
The Totora EcoWise Award is associated with the Keep Waitakere Beautiful initiative which honours residents who demonstrate a commitment to care for the environment through volunteer participation.
In 2008, Keep Waitakere Beautiful project manager, Marilyn Manukia, invited Latter-day Saints in the area to become involved in a service project. Marilyn also solicited help from Project Twin Streams, Child Youth and Family, and the Corrections Department to clean up the area.
Over the last six years around 300 volunteers have given of their time to clean up the area, keep streams free of litter, plant native trees and raise the water to a healthy level to provide for wildlife.
“It has been an amazing journey and a blessing,” Marilyn Manukia says.
“It’s humbling to feel that our efforts of service have been acknowledged...but it also inspires us to know that we can make a difference in our community.”