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Fifteen year old Christchurch girl Aescleah (said: Ashley) Hawkins’ decision to make a personal stand to protect New Zealand’s endangered Hector’s dolphins has created a wave of support throughout the Christchurch community.

Twelve Christchurch residents from different walks of life have been inspired to join Avonside School student Aescleah Hawkins’ Walk for Hector’s challenge, a three day, 42 kilometre community-led walk from Lyttelton to Akaroa. The Walk for Hector’s team includes a leader of New Zealand’s tourism industry, two councillors from Environment Canterbury and students of Avonside School.

Aescleah and the team will make the journey on 4, 5 and 6 March to raise awareness that Hector’s dolphins are still not adequately protected, despite being recognised as being at risk of extinction for a long time.  The Walk for Hector’s team hopes to raise significant funds for WWF’s campaign to stop the extinction of the species.  The route was chosen as Hector’s dolphins are found in the harbours of Lyttelton and Akaroa, so the walkers hope to see some of these rare marine dolphins along the route.

Aescleah’s Walk for Hector’s team:

·         Paul Bingham, CEO Black Cat Cruises, Chairman of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism

·         Phil Claude, Director of Claude & Associates

·         Sarah-Jayne Hawkins, Aescleah Hawkins mother

·         Ella Soryl, 15, student at Avonside Girls High School

·         Nathan Gladstone, 16, student at Cashmere High School

·         Grace King, 15, student at Avonside Girls High School

·         Lilian Clark, 14, student at Burnside High School

·         Kurtt Hewson, 14, student at Burnside High School

·         Adrian Hewson, Kurtt Hewson’s father

·         Team of 3 walkers from Environment Canterbury – Bill Simpson, regional councillors Eugene Sage and Jane Demeter, who are each walking for one day of the journey.

Commenting on her decision to take part, Eugenie Sage, regional councillor for Selwyn/Banks Peninsula said: “Hector’s dolphins are a distinctive feature of the Banks Peninsula seascape. As one of the world’s rarest marine dolphin, we must do everything we can to ensure the Banks Peninsula population increases, that’s why I’m supporting Aescleah’s energetic initiative.”

Councillor Jane Demeter, Chair of Environment Canterbury’s Biodiversity Committee said Aescleah’s initiative was an inspirational signal from a generation concerned about Hector’s dolphins: “We still have a strong chance to save these dolphins from extinction. For too long we’ve taken our variety of wildlife for granted; Hector’s dolphins have managed to survive the threats that have destroyed so many other species – we must do better at protecting our species that are unique to New Zealand. Aescleah’s initiative has given us a strong message that her generation deeply values these wonderful marine mammals, her determination is an inspiration to those of us who can make a difference”.

The walkers are appealing to the local community to get behind their cause, helping them achieve their aim of raising funds and significant awareness for WWF’s campaign to save Hector’s dolphins, and their North Island close relative, Maui’s dolphins:

“It’s really important for me that we save Hector’s dolphins – they live so close to us, and it’s just unthinkable that we could let the dolphins go extinct,” comments Aescleah. “But that’s what’s happening right now.  When we tell people why we’re doing the Walk for Hector’s, that they’re threatened with extinction and that we’ve got this chance to do something to save them, they want to know how they can help.”

The simplest way to show your support for the Walk for Hector’s is by donating to the cause at www.givealittle.co.nz/hectors

For those who want to go one step further, the Walk for Hector’s team are inviting people to take part in the Christchurch Short Walk for Hector’s, a one hour walk in the Port Hills along the spectacular Barnett Park loop track, overlooking Hector’s dolphins’ habitat, at 10 a.m. on Saturday 6 March.  Registrations for the walk cost $25 for adults, and children walk free.  All funds donated to WWF’s campaign to stop the extinction of Hector’s dolphins.

Register online for the Christchurch Short Walk for Hector’s by going to www.givealittle.co.nz/event/Walk4Hectors or phoning WWF on 0800-4357993.

“It’s great to see how Aescleah’s decision to do something positive to help protect Hector’s dolphins has inspired other people to get involved too,” comments WWF-New Zealand’s Executive Director Chris Howe.

“I would encourage everyone in the Christchurch community who thinks Hector’s dolphins should be protected to support Aescleah’s Walk for Hector’s, and be part of the generation that helps stop their extinction.  It will raise vital funds for WWF’s campaign to save Hector’s dolphins, and we’re very grateful for Aescleah and her team’s support in this respect. But the message that it sends is just as important in showing the Government that New Zealanders are passionate about our wildlife, and want Hector’s dolphins protected.  The more people who give their support, the more powerful that message will be,” he said.

Walk for Hector’s is now the launch event for Seaweek in the South Island, the annual celebration of New Zealand’s unique marine life organized by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE).

For more information about Walk for Hector’s events, go to wwf.org.nz/hectors

To make a donation to Aescleah and her team’s Walk for Hector’s go to: www.givealittle.co.nz/hectors

Tags: dolphins, Environment, good news, personal sustainability, positive news