17 November 2011

Environment Action Award winners announced

Six environmental winners were announced at the Environment Action Awards last night.

There were 23 entries in the new look award scheme supported by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Department of Conservation, CHB District Council and Wairoa District Council. Award entrants and nominees and a large number of environmental project volunteers celebrated the awards at the Lindisfarne College Auditorium.

The DOC Natural History, Heritage Conservation Award was won by Simon Hall for his work on the restoration of his Maungataniwha properties, kaka beak and kiwi recovery work and assistance with ecological studies.

A highly commended, one of only two on the evening, was awarded to Te Mahia School, an Enviroschool involved in beach and stream clean ups, planting for stream enhancement and wetland protection, and publicising environmental concerns.

The Sus’d Programme Excellence Award was presented to the innovative recycling programme Curtain Bank Hawke’s Bay which washes, irons and adapts donated curtains and redistributes them to homes to provide added insulation and comfort.

Camberley Kindergarten in Hastings won the Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) Project Excellence Award. The kindergarten used their LEAF funding to develop a vegetable and fruit garden for the benefit of the children and their families. They also demonstrate other sustainable practises, such as composting and worm farms.

Long time Forest and Bird member Teresa Hurst was presented the DOC Catherine Tiffen Volunteer Award, in particular for her work on the Blowhard Bush Scenic Reserve where she has helps in a range of ways including pest control, track clearing, and educating volunteers for the successful eradication programme.

The Community Environment Award was won by the four year old Cape Sanctuary project, which involves more than 600 volunteers tackling a variety of tasks from weeding and planting, to fencing and bird feeding. This nationally significant sanctuary is larger than Kapiti, with an extensive bird recovery and protection programme. More than 75 thousand native trees have been planted for food and habitat.

The Outstanding Contribution to the Environment Award was won by Kepa Toa for his tireless commitment to planting and caring for the Maraetotara River riparian area, involvement with Cape Sanctuary, teaching and educating youth in environmental protection and championing Maori medicine.
The second of two highly commended awards of the night was presented to John Cheyne for his extensive contribution to the environment through his work with DOC and Fish and Game, as well as his personal interest in ecological protection and recovery.

Summary of winners:

• DOC Natural History, Hertiage Conservation Award
Winner: Simon Hall
Highly commended: Te Mahia School

• Sus’d Programme Excellence Award
Winner: Curtain Bank Hawke’s Bay

• Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) Project Excellence Award
Winner: Camberley Kindergarten

• DOC Catherine Tiffen Volunteer Award
Winner: Teresa Hurst

• Community Environment Award
Winner: Cape Sanctuary

• Outstanding Contribution to the Environment Award
Winner: Kepa Toa
Highly commended: John Cheyne

ENDS

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