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Environmental champions recognized
Estuary managers, an educator and a trio of young environmentalists were among this year’s Green Ribbon Award winners.
Fiona Gibson won a Green Ribbon award for her passion
and commitment to environmental action.
The eight winners, chosen from nearly 70 worthy nominations, received their awards on World Environment Day, 5 June.
Environment educator Fiona Gibson received a first equal community action for the environment award. Fiona introduced Dunedin Hospital’s Early Childhood Centre to recycling and composting, and set up a children’s garden. The children learnt about energy conservation and the concept of endangered animals.
North Waikato couple David and Juliette Wallace were joint winners of the community action for the environment award for their efforts to ensure the inland island Maungatautari was fully pest-proofed. Along with community support and a dedicated band of volunteers, a 47 kilometre pest-proof fence around 3400 hectares of native bush has been finished.
The young people making a difference award went to the Varneys: Ashley (12), Courtney (9) and Brooke (6) (see front cover). The sisters are regular volunteers on Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf where they help with planting, weed control and plant propagation.
Wellington’s Karori Sanctuary and Invercargill City Council’s New River Estuary Project shared the top spot in the urban sustainability category.
Karori Sanctuary’s tireless conservation efforts have made a home for a long list of native flora and fauna including robin, tui, hihi, little spotted kiwi, giant weta, Maud Island frogs, tutara and kaka.
Invercargill City Council was rewarded for its three year effort to restore a former landfill into a picturesque estuary and park.
Popular television series WA$TED! topped the sustainable business and households category for its outstanding effort to encourage New Zealand households to adopt sustainable practices.
Dairy farming family the Hayes won an award in the rural sustainability category. Andrew and Jenny Hayes, with sons Alastair, Derek, Rodney and Fred, restored two fragile peat lakes bordering their property. See page 3 for the full story.
A dedicated band of Bay of Plenty residents who care for the Uretara estuary received a Green Ribbon award in the caring for our water category. The Uretara Estuary Managers carry out pest control, education, stream bank and shoreline restoration, and its work to improve water quality has received funding support from the Ministry.
The awards, now in their 17th year, were presented at a function in Parliament. Environment Minister David Benson-Pope said the awards highlighted the hard work many New Zealanders are doing for the environment.
“This year’s winners and the list of outstanding nominations reinforce my respect for the remarkable work New Zealanders are doing to help this country’s environment,” said Benson-Pope.
For more information on the Green Ribbon Awards contact Vikki James on (04) 439 7556 or vikki.james@mfe.govt.nz
