Citizen science was a feature of a number of the 15 Environmental Awards presented by the Taranaki Regional Council this evening (Thursday 3 November).
Recipients included a hapū-led kaimoana survey project, a social-media-based coastal species monitoring programme and a community-based offshore reef study.
“We’re making 15 awards, but the actual number of winners can be numbered in the hundreds, if not the thousands,” says the Council Chairman, David MacLeod. “All of those associated with the organisations and individuals honoured with awards can also regard themselves as winners.”
The Council has been making the annual awards since 1993 and tonight’s bring the total to 249.
“The efforts of our winners tonight, and those who’ve gone before them, underscore the fact that it’s not by accident or good luck that Taranaki enjoys a generally good-quality environment,” says Mr MacLeod.
“The region takes its environment very seriously, and puts a lot of money, sweat and time into protecting and enhancing it. This happens at every level – from corporates to farmers to community groups to iwi and hapū to schools.
“The awards are an opportunity to celebrate this effort.”
The awards are presented in five categories, each with a sponsor. The 2016 winners are:
Environmental action in Education – sponsored by Taranaki Daily News
- Huiakama School.
- Bill Clarkson.
- Project Hotspot.
Environmental leadership in land management – sponsored by Dow AgroSciences
- Ken and Sandra Sandford.
- McLean and Tuffery families.
Te taiao me te pākihi – Environmental leadership in business - Sponsored by Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa, Taranaki and Ngāti Mutunga
- Todd Energy Ltd.
- New Plymouth District Council.
- Shell New Zealand.
Environmental leadership in dairy farming – sponsored by Fonterra
- Taranaki Agricultural Research Station Trust and the Luff Family.
- Philip and Donna Cram.
Environmental action in the community - sponsored by Methanex
- South Taranaki Underwater Club.
- Rapanui Grey-Faced Petrel Trust.
- Trina Stanley.
- Pātea Planting Trust.
- Otaraua Hapū and Waitara Alive.
For more information and video profiles of the winners, see www.trc.govt.nz/award-winners/
