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

This week, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council considered a report on how it could help those volunteer groups and organisations that work to help the council achieve its outcomes.

For example, groups like Coast Care, Enviroschools, harbour wardens, land care, and estuary care to name a few. Across the Bay, we know there are nearly 2000 volunteers involved in council-related activities.

The report highlights that there are relatively easy things that the council can do to provide more support for these groups and organisations. The council has agreed to have a staff member become a volunteer coordinator, and together with revamped web information and other assistance, it will focus on supporting volunteer efforts. The council will also continue to examine volunteer opportunities, and ways to further support their magnificent work and ethic.

In short, council recognises that the volunteer resource is pure gold – and needs to be respected and valued.