Community heroes in conservation: Peter Reimann

Meet Peter Reimann (pictured right). Peter is Chairperson of the Trellisick Park Group (TPG), which is one of Wellington’s older planting groups. TPG aims to maintain and restore the natural environment and wilderness character of the park, while enhancing public appreciation of these values. TPG has been instrumental in animal and plant pest control, restoration planting, advocacy, fundraising and promotion.

TPG has also been a strong advocate to protect and enhance biodiversity in the Kaiwharawhara catchment from the Outer Green Belt to the harbour. We caught up with Peter to find out what drives him and the TPG volunteers.

How did you get involved in conservation?

It stemmed from a chance encounter in the late 1990s with Frances Lee, Secretary of the Trelissick Park Group, while she was weeding next to Kaiwharawhara Stream. She felt passionately about the park, its wilderness character and its potential. Having semi-retired and at a loose end, I adopted a 'spot' for restoration.

What’s your specific interest/how do you contribute?

I have been Chairperson of the Trelissick Park Group since 2006.  I coordinate and work in the park with our volunteers and groups/organisations and liaise with Wellington City Council. I am also involved in advocacy and promoting the park.

What motivates you to do this mahi?

It has led me into fascinating areas connected with the environment, botany, and opportunities to work with a wide range of enthusiastic and dedicated people. There is much to learn.

What’s been the group’s biggest achievement?

The park is well-used and the positive comments from people are very encouraging. It has been rewarding being involved in the restoration of the park over the years. It is part of the ecological corridor from the harbour to the Outer Green Belt and birdlife has increased markedly.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to our volunteers, community groups, organisations and Wellington City Council for all the work to restore the park to a native bush wilderness.

Ways to get involved in conservation in your community

• You can start by planting some natives! Check out our two informative Wellington-focused planting booklets, which can be found at wellington.govt.nz/planting-guides

• To get involved with a community group near you, visit pfw.org.nz/get-involved/ for a list of backyard groups, Council's environmental community groups webpage, and DOC's webpage listing its conservation groups in Wellington/Kapiti.

• For more ideas about what you can do for the environment, visit wellington.govt.nz/environmentandyou

• Visit the DOC website to find out more about Conservation Week/Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa