Nominations for the 20th Annual Southland Environment Awards opened this week.
The awards are designed to celebrate and recognise people, groups and businesses working to restore, protect or enhance Southland’s environment.
Nominations are sought in a range of categories from schools and commercial to farming and community groups. Sponsors provide cash and services for the winner of each award. They include NZAS, ILT, Forsyth Barr, AWS Legal, Milligan’s Seeds, Department of Conservation, Real Journeys, and new sponsor this year, ANZ.
Environment Southland director of operations and environmental information Warren Tuckey has been involved as a judge for each of the past 19 Southland Environment Awards. He says the event has come a long way since the first one, held in the Southland Museum foyer with just a couple of awards. “It’s been fantastic to see this event grow, to meet the enormously dedicated and inspiring people and see the projects that are protecting and enhancing Southland’s environment.”
Judges this year will be looking for people and projects that are particularly focused on enhancing Southland’s air, water and biodiversity – but all projects will be considered.
The Innovator Award is focused on intensive farm systems this year, with judges looking for innovations in improving water quality or reducing water use on-farm.
If you are involved in a project or business protecting or enhancing the environment or know someone that is, download a nomination form from the Environment Southland website today (www.es.govt.nz).
Nominations close on Friday 1st May and the awards night will be held on Wednesday 5th August.