MEDIA RELEASE

Rewards for environmental heroes

For immediate release: Monday 28 August 2006

Environment Bay of Plenty wants to reward the region’s environmental heroes.

The regional council’s annual Environmental Awards are now open for nominations.

The awards, which offer prizes of up to $1000, celebrate people and organisations who are working for a better environment.

So many people put huge amounts of effort into what is often voluntary work, says Environment Bay of Plenty chief executive Bill Bayfield. And they are not always acknowledged for it, he adds. “We love these awards because those who receive them really deserve it. They work very hard and they are very passionate about what they do.”

The award system has five categories this year. These are for individuals, community groups, educational organisations, businesses, and media. They might be involved in environmental education, coastal planting or a land-based project involving pest control work.

Entries close on Friday 6 October, with an award ceremony in Whakatane in November. You can enter yourself, your own group or education organisation – or you can nominate others. It’s pretty easy - just fill in the entry form, attach supporting photographs and evidence, and send it in to Environment Bay of Plenty. Entry forms are available from Environment Bay of Plenty offices or by calling 0800 ENV BOP (368 267) or on www.envbop.govt.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media