Awards aim to recognise Northland enviro projects

28 Feb, 2022

Time is running out to apply for the fourth annual Northland Regional Council Whakamanawa a Taiao – Environmental Awards which recognise the environmental work being carried out in Northland.

Numerous groups have been recognised since the awards’ inception in 2019 for the difference they are making in Northland and those keen to join their ranks have until Sunday April 10 to apply.

“Applying to the Environmental Awards helps tell the story of the environmental mahi happening in Northland and shows that collectively we are making a difference,” Council Chair Penny Smart says.

Penny says the awards are an opportunity for Northlanders to be recognised for their work and for the wider community to learn more about the details of a project and the reasons for it.

Up for grabs is a prize package including $1000 cash, a handcrafted trophy designed by a local artist and a professional project promotional video and photography package.

The awards cover nine categories: community, pest management, education, water quality improvement, industry, leadership, kaitiakitanga, climate change and a new category youth environmental leader.

This new category was introduced to celebrate and recognise the many youth who are making a positive difference to the environment now and for the benefit of future generations.

It recognises a young individual or group, aged 12–24, whose leadership, support of others and willingness to share ideas is making a significant contribution to Northland’s environment.

An organisation doing outstanding mahi across the rohe that was recognised at last year’s awards is Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR).

They won the ‘Environmental action in the community award’ and received the highest recognition of the night, the Te Tohu Matua – Supreme Award, which all category winners are eligible for.

EMR has run its popular marine engagement programme for 20 years, focusing on restoring marine ecosystems by giving people the opportunity to see the effects of marine protection first-hand.

This year will also see a new special award that recognises specific mahi supporting Kiwi Coast.

Dubbed the Kiwi Coast outstanding group or project award, it recognises high achieving Northland groups and projects who have proven their commitment to restoring the health of their local native forests and wildlife, including kiwi.

Kiwi Coast Coordinator Ngaire Sullivan says Kiwi Coast is offering this award to recognise the dedication and achievements of Northland’s hardworking community, many of whom are amongst the longest running community led projects across Aotearoa.

n Enter online by Sunday April 10, 2022. Visit awards.nrc.govt.nz