Canterbury Resource Management Awards

It's recognition time again for people caring for Canterbury's resources - with entries now open for the Canterbury Resource Management Awards 2006.

The awards are presented by Environment Canterbury every two years, to reward projects that promote sustainable management of natural and man-made resources.

Managing resources and caring for the environment can be a part of all kinds of activities, from individual initiatives to large-scale business processes, according to Environment Canterbury chairman Sir Kerry Burke. "Whether you’re involved in a large company or a small non-profit organisation, or on your own, you will probably find a section of the awards to suit your project,” he said.

Entries for four categories are invited from throughout the region:

1. Community/Interest - for projects being carried out by community groups.
2.
3. Commercial/Industrial - for projects being carried out by commercial or industrial organisations.
4.
5. Professional/Institutional - for projects being carried out by professional groups.
6.
7. Individual - for projects being carried out by one person.
8.

"If you have any doubts about the eligibility of your project don’t hesitate to check with us. People should also take the opportunity to tell friends and colleagues, with relevant projects, about the awards," Sir Kerry said.

The awards are supported by the Crown research institute, Landcare Research, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), Target Zero - a waste minimisation and resource efficiency programme for businesses, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and the Sustainable Business Network (SBN). Each of these organisations will contribute a special award.

A new special award category for heritage has been introduced this year. It will be sponsored by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

Judges for all categories will be looking at the practicality and sustainability of entries. They will also take into account any consultation that has been carried out as well as the way the project affects other resources.

"There’s plenty of scope for all kinds of projects involving resource management," Sir Kerry said. "These might include work relating to air or water quality, soil conservation, preservation of natural areas, efficient regional transportation, pest management, rural and urban planning and civil defence."

Entries for the awards close on July 31. Further information on the Canterbury Resource Management Awards 2006, is available on 03 353 9735, or toll free on 0800 EC INFO (0800 324 636), or from Environment Canterbury's website: www.ecan.govt.nz/rmawards

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