Hon Dr Nick Smith

Minister for the Environment

Hon Maggie Barry

Minister of Conservation

10 May 2016

Media Statement
Ministers announce Green Ribbon finalists

Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry today announced the 2016 Green Ribbon Awards finalists to celebrate exceptional environmental achievements by New Zealanders.

“We are delighted to recognise these community groups, scientists, schools, councils and businesses for their innovation and achievements in the 26thannual Green Ribbon Awards,” Dr Smith says.

“This year we received a very commendable 106 nominations across the ten categories, with some projects making a positive difference over many years.

“Environmental initiatives include protecting our precious biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, minimising waste, reducing water pollution, educating and inspiring leadership and implementing more sustainable business practice.”

Ms Barry says the finalists are doing extraordinary work in their communities to restore and protect the environment.

“All of these projects are achieving significant and measurable gains for conservation. They show innovation, are raising wider public awareness and involvement, and go the extra mile for the environment,” she says.

“We will also be presenting the Loder Cup at the Green Ribbons for the first time in its history. First awarded in 1929, it is one of the country’s oldest conservation awards and recognises outstanding work to protect our native plants.”

The Green Ribbon Awards have recognised about 200 organisations during the past 26 years.

“All the winners and finalists that have been honoured as part of the Green Ribbon Awards are an inspiration. These special projects are cleaning up past pollution, carefully managing today’s environment and safeguarding our environment for the future,” Dr Smith says.

The finalists will attend a ceremony at Parliament on 7 June, during the week of World Environment Day. Winners will be announced for each category, and then an overall supreme winner will be announced.

Finalists - Business leadership:

• Air New Zealand – Sustainability programme
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• Fuji Xerox – Product stewardship scheme
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• RD Manufacturing – Enviroculvert pipes from recycled industrial milk bottles
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Community leadership:

• Te Whangai Trust – Community biodiversity (Waikato)
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• Project Litefoot – LiteClub energy efficiency in community sports clubs
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• WWF-New Zealand and NZ Landcare Trust – Reconnecting Northland ecological restoration programme
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Leadership in communication and education:

• St Cuthbert’s College – Kahunui remote campus sustainable programme for students (Auckland)
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• The Connected Media Charitable Trust – Outlook for Someday film challenge for young people
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Kaitiaki leadership:

• Ian Tarei – Omataroa Rangitaiki No2 Charitable Trust kiwi project (Bay of Plenty)
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• Keith & Mercia Wood – Ngati Rangi Trust (Waikato)
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• Peter Ramsden – Environment Canterbury environmental leader (Canterbury)
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Philanthropy and partnership:

• WWF New Zealand and NZ Landcare Trust – Reconnecting Northland ecological restoration programme (Northland)
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• Conservation Volunteers New Zealand – Punakaiki Coastal Restoration Project (West Coast)
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• Dynamis Project – Energy sustainability in schools (Wellington)
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Protecting our biodiversity:

• Uawanui Project Governance Group – Uawanui Project collaborative catchment management project (Tolega Bay)
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• Otokonui Ecosanctuary – Biodiversity restoration project (Otago)
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• Pernod Ricard Winemakers New Zealand – Biodiversity within vineyards (Marlborough)
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Resilience to climate change:

• Countdown – Carbon emissions reduction programme
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• Auckland Council – Retrofit your home insulation and energy efficient project
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• Project Litefoot – LiteClub energy efficiency in community sports clubs
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Minimising our waste:

• Foodstuffs NZ – Recyclable butchery trays
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• Auckland Zero Waste Alliance Trust – Zero waste in community events and festivals (Auckland)
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• Countdown – Food rescue programme donating waste food to charity
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Caring for our water:

• Waikato RiverCare Incorporated – Riparian restoration of Waikato River and environs (Waikato)
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• Outward Bound – Anakiwa wastewater plant (Marlborough)
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• Whangawehi Catchment Management Group – Catchment restoration project (Mahia)

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