Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

It is now three weeks since the ‘Rena'. As I write this we are holding our collective breath as the oil pumping continues and the weather holds.

nd just as the Rugby World Cup volunteers have delighted with their genial hospitality, so too have the Rena volunteers amazed with their generosity in helping to protect our place.

There are more than 7000 registered volunteers and many, many more involved in the efforts to mitigate the Rena consequences. Whilst as a nation we are reflecting on a euphoric world cup glow, here in the Bay of Plenty we are experiencing something also powerful. The realisation that this place –with all its beauty and attributes is what gives shape, colour, texture and meaning to our lives. Our place is a huge part of our life force.