Northland environmental champions wanted

Environmental champions are being asked to put their names forward for this year’s Environmental Awards, organised by the Northland Regional Council to recognise their work for the betterment of the region.

“All over Northland, thousands of people are working to improve our environment, often quietly behind the scenes,” says NRC Chair Penny Smart. “We want to publicly thank them for joining us in our mission to create a healthy environment, a strong economy and resilient communities. There’s no way we could do what we do without their efforts.”

The 2020 awards, which opened February 17, are designed to recognise and celebrate kaitiakitanga in action and highlight the ‘can-do’ attitudes and remarkable contributions so many people from all walks of life are making to help our environment thrive.

Examples include efforts to get rid of pests so our native species can flourish, clearing weeds, planting erosion-prone land, stream banks and wetlands, and sustainability projects in schools.

“The work people are putting in is amazing and it deserves celebrating,”

More than 90 nominations were received when the awards were launched last year with eight award categories covering a broad range of environmental enhancement projects and activities. Matarau-based Comrie Park Kindergarten won supreme award for the overall winner.

Award winners in each category will receive a $1000 cash prize and trophy and the Supreme Award winner will receive an additional trophy they can hold for one year.

This year’s celebration follows a similar format, covering environmental action in the community, pest management, education, water quality improvement, industry, leadership, innovation, and kaitiakitanga.

Entrants are welcome from all sectors including individuals, community groups, schools, tangata whenua, businesses and leaders. Projects, activities and contributions must be located within Northland and demonstrate significant benefit to the region’s environment – and entry is free.

¢ Entries and nominations can be made at nrc.govt.nz/environmentalawards. Get more info from council’s marketing and engagement team events@nrc.govt.nz or freephone 0800 002 004. Entries close Sunday March 22.