PRESS RELEASE: Community invited to nominate environmental champions in the Love Your Place Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

13 August 2018

Auckland, N.Z.: Nominations are now open for the Love Your Place Awards 2018, which recognise volunteers, businesses and schools making a positive impact on the environment in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area.

“The Waitākere Ranges and its surrounding streams, settlements, beaches and lagoons are deeply loved by many Aucklanders. It’s a special area and it wouldn’t be what it is without the people who care for it,” says Damon Birchfield, EcoMatters CEO.

“These awards are funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board to be an opportunity to recognise the mahi of those who care for the stunning natural gems and native biodiversity here, some of which we know is critically threatened.”

This year, one of the awards is named in memory of Denise Yates, a long-standing environmental advocate for the Waitākere Ranges, former EcoMatters Trustee, and a Local Board Member who passed away in December last year. Denise was a dedicated community champion and volunteer in her own right serving the communities of the West over many decades.

“Denise was passionate about championing both youth and environmental issues so it seemed fitting to name that particular category after her,” says Birchfield.

The five award categories are:

• Denise Yates Award: for youth (under 16) showing emerging leadership around local environmental issues
• Karaka Award: for a school or school group taking action on a local environmental issue
• Nīkau Award: for a business or social enterprise making a contribution to improve the environment
• Rātā Award: for an outstanding volunteer group or organisation taking action on a local environmental issue
• Kahikatea Award: for an outstanding individual volunteer taking action on a local environmental issue

Community members are invited to nominate environmental champions before 8 September 2018 at www.ecomatters.org.nz/nominate

The Love Your Place Awards Night will be held at the Titirangi War Memorial Hall on Thursday 27 September 2018 at 6.30pm. There is no charge for attending but an RSVP is required.

The Love Your Place Awards 2018 are funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board and organised and hosted by EcoMatters Environment Trust.

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