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

This week the BOP Regional Council supported further work being done on how the council can work better with volunteer groups and organisations to achieve even more outcomes for our communities.

The council recognises the hugely important role that volunteers play in our communities, witnessed by the incredible volunteer work to do with the Rena, and the ongoing commitment and dedication of groups such as the Environment Centre and coast care, estuary care and land care groups, to name a few.

The reality is that volunteer work and resources are the backbone of any community. They are what give a place heart and soul. Too often the work and effort goes unrecognised or is taken for granted. The councils' support to work even more effectively with volunteers is recognition that volunteers are a treasure to be appreciated, respected and supported.

‘Volunteers do not necessarily have the time-they just have the heart” - Elizabeth Andrew