Hon Eugenie Sage
Minister of Conservation

4 June 2018

MEDIA STATEMENT

Conservation and community achievements honoured

The achievements of dedicated conservation and environmental leaders and volunteers have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list released today.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has praised the recipients and says everyone on the list has been recognised for the exceptional work they do for conservation, the environment, their local communities and New Zealand.

“They should be very proud of their achievements and the work they are doing to save our threatened species, protect and restore our rivers and streams, remove invasive weeds, control predators and fight diseases such as kauri dieback,” Eugenie Sage said.

“Their efforts, dedication and successes inspire me and should inspire others.”

Bryce Johnson of Upper Hutt is made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to conservation and the environment.

“Mr Johnson has given more than 30 years’ service to conservation and the environment an incredible contribution.”

He was appointed Director of the National Executive of New Zealand Acclimatisation Societies which was later changed to CEO of the New Zealand Fish and Game Council, a role he had until December last year. He was involved in Conservation Law Reform Act 1910, contributed to the Resource Management Act 1991which included protection of wetlands and the habitats of trout and salmon.

Mr Millan Ruka, from Whangarei, receives the Member of New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his work in establishing Environment River Patrols in 2010 sourcing vehicles, equipment, a river boat and kayaks to access waterways to GPS photograph, document and report effluent discharges, direct stock trampling and spoiling waterways.

“I congratulate and recognise Mr Ruka’s determination and tenacity for freshwater protection. He should also be congratulated on ensuing his hapū have their values recognised in improving water quality,” Eugenie Sage said.

Stewart Bull of Invercargill has been awarded the Queens Service Medal (QSM) to recognise his service to Southland’s Conservation Board. He has been a member of the board for more than 15 years. Mr Bull has worked alongside the Department of Conservation with many translocations, eradications, strandings and historic work. He has also provided guidance on working in a culturally appropriate way helping to strengthen Māori cultural understanding within the wider Southland community.

A QSM is awarded to Dr Grant Norbury of Alexandra, for his services to conservation. He led the establishment and has been chair of the Central Otago Ecological Trust since 2005. The Trust aims to support and restore the drylands ecosystems by reintroducing native lizards and other threatened fauna.

Lyn Wade of Warkworth also receives a QSM for services to conservation. Lyn is the chair of the Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) Trust which is responsible for practical and financial support for conservation of the 3000ha island in the Hauraki Gulf.

Ali Timms of Cromwell also receives a QSM for services to local government and the environment for 16 years’ service on Environment Southland. Ms Timms was active in setting up stakeholder groups to restore Waituna Lagoon and is working to eradicating wilding pines as chair of the Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust.

Eugenie Sage says these are just some of those receiving Queens Birthday honours for services to conservation, the environment, Māori and the community.

‘I sincerely thank and congratulate all 18 conservationists receiving honours for their hard work, dedication and their visions. Not only do they inspire others but they give us confidence in our Battle for our Biodiversity, achieving our Predator Free 2050 goals and helping us to bring back the birdsong.”

© Scoop Media