Conservation interviews filmed by Bush Telly, the Supreme Award winner at this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show, are now being posted on the www.bushtelly.org.nz website.

Bush Telly, the Christchurch-based natural history media unit of the New Zealand Ecological restoration Network (NZERN), filmed more than 50 interviews on various conservation topics during the five days of this year’s Ellerslie International Flower Show.

The interviews have now been posted online at www.bushtelly.org.nz and a DVD of these will be launched next month. Later in the year a documentary on the making of the exhibit for the Ellerslie International Flower Show will be available for film festivals.

Topics include how to make a weta motel, how to create a lizard friendly habitat, how to propagate aquatic plants, the breeding and release of endangered species, how to control weeds, how to erect a predator-proof fence and what native plants can be used for medicine or food.

Bush Telly Producer Mike Peters says by making the interviews easily accessible over the internet they hope to raise public awareness and encourage everyone to do their bit to look after New Zealand’s native plants and animals.

“We really want people to become involved in helping to protect and restore an area of native habitat within their own community.

“I encourage everyone to check out the website and make a commitment to learning how to protect, maintain and restore an area of New Zealand’s natural heritage for future generations.”

Bush Telly recorded the interviews before the live audience of visitors to the 2009 Ellerslie International Flower Show, their exhibit wining Gold, the Supreme Award for Design Excellence and the overall Supreme Award.

For further information contact

Ellerslie International Flower Show Communications Adviser

Jan McCarthy

03 941 6412 or 027 637 7912