GM NZ and Isuzu Trucks team up to ‘beautify’ regional park

A small team from General Motors New Zealand and Isuzu Trucks took their shovels to work recently and headed out for a day of tree planting as part of the global GM Employee Volunteerism initiative.

The nine-strong Head Office crew visited Duder Regional Park on the Clevedon Coast and planted 200 native seedlings.

Their time in the field was supported by GM via the employee giving programme, which assists employees’ passion to give their time and dollars through volunteerism and monetary donations to eligible nonprofit organisations. Since the programme’s inception in 2011, employees have lent their hands and hearts by volunteering 1 million hours in 28 different countries.

“This was the first time GM NZ has participated in the programme and it was fantastic to get outside and do some good in our community,” said Dave Ballantyne, General Manager of Isuzu Trucks New Zealand.

“It also helps us feel more connected with GM, knowing the business supports initiatives which are important to us here in New Zealand – even though GM Head Office is 13,500km away in Detroit.”

The team considered a number of different volunteering projects and decided on Duder Regional Park as it coincided with the Auckland Council winter planting programme – and also allowed for some team bonding outside in the fresh air and doing something energetic.

“It was a really positive experience as our actions made a visible difference to the environment and there’s a real buzz associated with contributing to tangible change. It also created a sense of comradery amongst the team,” said Mr Ballantyne.

“We will look to do a similar project in the near future and have received some great suggestions from passionate employees who are keen to get us involved with similar opportunities.”