2021 environmental champions wanted

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The public is being asked to put names forward for the Northland Regional Council’s annual Whakamanawa a Taiao – Environmental Awards, with a new category this year recognising ‘action in climate change’.

The awards began three years ago as a way of recognising the thousands of people working to improve the north’s environment, many toiling away quietly behind the scenes. A six-week nomination period officially opened February 22 and runs until early April.

Regional council Chair Penny Smart says the awards were conceived as the NRC’s way of publicly thanking those who worked with councillors and staff in their shared mission to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities.

“We’ve made no secret of the fact that we simply couldn’t do what we do without their efforts; we think what they’re doing is incredible and it deserves celebrating.”

The 2021 awards are designed to recognise and celebrate kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in action and highlight the commitment and remarkable contributions so many people from all walks of life are making to help the region’s 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.

Last year the council received 28 applications, with two decades of tireless work to restore Rakaumangamanga (Cape Brett) securing the two small hapu involved (Patukeha and Ngati Kuta) both the ‘Te Tohu Matua – Supreme Award’ and the ‘Kaitiakitanga Award’.

This year’s awards cover eight categories: community, pest management, education, water quality improvement, industry, leadership, kaitiakitanga and climate change.

The last is a new category for 2021, recognising action taken to adapt to our changing climate or transition to a low-carbon future for Te Taitokerau.

The council says there’s a huge body of work that could potentially fall into the climate change category, however, just a few examples include:

· finding innovative ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

· mitigating coastal erosion

· improving drought resilience and water management

· protecting habitats from the effects of climate change.

Entrants for the wider awards are welcome from all sectors including individuals, community groups, schools, whanau, hapu, iwi, businesses and

leaders. Projects, activities and contributions must be located within Northland and demonstrate significant benefit to the region’s environment.

n Entries and nominations can be made via nrc.govt.nz/environmentalawards and further information is available by emailing the council’s Marketing and Engagement Team events@nrc.govt.nz or calling freephone (0800) 002 004.

Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday April 6. Award winners in each category will receive a $1000 cash prize and trophy.

 

Climate change is a new category for 2021, recognising action taken to adapt to our changing climate or transition to a low-carbon future for Te Taitokerau.

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