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2009 Green Ribbon Awards

Do you know an environmental champion? Make a nomination now!

The Green Ribbon Awards are presented by the Minister for the Environment to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations and businesses to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

As a nation, New Zealanders are committed to environmental sustainability. 2009 marks the 19th Green Ribbon Awards. Nomination categories in 2009 reflect the many different areas in which New Zealanders contribute to reducing the impacts we have on our environment.

New category for 2009!

In recognition of New Zealand hosting international celebrations for World Environment Day in 2008, a new category has been added to the Green Ribbon Awards. The ‘Community Action for World Environment Day’ category will recognise a World Environment Day 2008 event or project that prompted action for the environment within a New Zealand community.

The 2009 categories

Community Action for the Environment: Young People – Awarded to young people who show personal commitment to improving our environment. This could, for example, be through practical action at school or in the community, or through efforts they have made to increase the environmental awareness of others.

Urban Sustainability – Awarded for outstanding contributions to urban sustainability, particularly practical action to improve the environment in our towns and cities.

Community Action for the Environment: Volunteers and Not-for-profit Organisations – Awarded to an individual or group who has shown a commitment to empowering their community to take action for the environment without financial incentive.

Sustainable Land Use – Awarded for outstanding efforts from those working in agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors, community care groups and marae, to sustainably manage the use of our land. Efforts could include practices to reduce the environmental impacts of land use, maintain or improve the health of soils and water bodies, or projects that protect and conserve water.

Businesses Making a Difference – Awarded to businesses, including tourism operators, who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impacts. For example, initiatives taken could include implementing an environmental management system, environmental reporting, and encouraging other businesses and the wider community to adopt environmental practices.

Making a Difference to Household Sustainability – Awarded to those organisations who, through their products, services, or educational promotion, are making outstanding efforts to reduce the impact that households have on the environment. This could include practices to reduce emissions, waste, water use or energy use, and encouraging others to adopt good practices.

Environment in the Spotlight – Awarded to an individual, business, group or organisation who has significantly raised the profile and awareness of caring for the environment. This could be from national marketing campaigns, media coverage or national events.

Innovative Solutions for the Environment – Awarded to an individual, business, group or organisation who has designed or produced an innovative solution that will protect, enhance or improve the environment.

Community Action for World Environment Day – Awarded to an individual, business, group or organisation who undertook a World Environment Day 2008 event or project in their community that prompted action for the environment. Nominees should be able to demonstrate measurable outcomes from their project or event.

Send in your nomination now!

Nomination information (PDF, 158 KB)

These awards are open to all individuals and organisations in New Zealand who are making a difference for our environment. Nominations must reach the Ministry by 5.00pm Monday 23 March 2009.

For more information email green.ribbon@mfe.govt.nz

For previous recipients of the award see the past winners page.

Last updated: 3 February 2009