The Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards 2005 were announced on Friday 14 October at an event at the National Aquarium in Napier.
The awards were presented by guest speaker Quentin Bennett, a renown underwater photographer from Napier, who spoke about the value of the undersea environment and the impact on the ocean of the activities on the land. The winners were presented with glass art pieces created by Merryn Jones and cheques for $500 to assist them to continue their work.
The Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards are held annually to recognise the outstanding environmental achievement in our community and are supported by Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council. About 100 invited guests attended the event including the Regional Council Chairman, Eileen von Dadelszen, Napier MP Chris Tremain and Tukituki MP Craig Foss.
Ede Award winner (for “education to the power of the environment”) - Hawke’s Bay Youth Environment Council
This voluntarily group of students from Napier and Hastings high schools was established in 2004. They have organised a highly successful forum for two years to encourage high school students to study environmental issues. They have also coordinated a paper recycling scheme for high schools, where none was available before. The Council received a Highly Commended in the Green Ribbon Awards in July this year for their efforts.
Rural Award winners - Malcolm and Rohan O’Dwyer
They have shown a life long commitment to sustainable farming at their property, Morningstar at Tikokino. The O’Dwyers have long maintained sustainable farming practices including fertiliser and spraying techniques that minimise impact on the environment; plantings; and conservation measures. The O’Dwyers are fully involved in the farming sector, educating and encouraging other farmers with sustainable practices.
Community Award winner - Hawke’s Bay Branch of New Zealand Farm Forestry Association
The associate won for their book “Guide to Successful Farm Forestry – a Hawke’s Bay perspective”. This project was developed by volunteer branch members in an effort to capture the knowledge of local farmers about tree species and planting conditions. The book aims to assist new farm foresters make planting decisions based on local knowledge. The judges were impressed by the scope, detail and practical application for farmers throughout the region. It is an innovative idea that is now being looked at in other parts of the country.
Cleaner Production Award winner - Engine Flush Services
The award is for businesses involved in specific programmes to reduce waste. EFS services commercial fleets and private vehicles to achieve cleaner running. Waste products are properly disposed of in Auckland. With new air quality standards coming into effect over the next five years, requiring better emissions as part of a vehicle’s warrant of fitness check, this company is already playing a valuable part in achieving this goal in Hawke’s Bay.
New Product winner - Effluent Management Systems Ltd for their ‘Siphon’ waste water product
This product can be added to any onsite waste water treatment system to prevent drain blockages and to create an even flow in an effluent system. It does not require electricity or a motor to run it, which makes it a simple solution for many applications.
Business Award winner - BioRich Ltd
Mike Glazebrook of BioRich has set up the composting operation to divert a large amount of organic waste from the landfill. The operation is carefully managed to lessen environmental impacts. The product puts nutrients back into the soil which has a wide benefit for the whole of Hawke’s Bay – from home gardeners to commercial croppers.
Highly Commended
M W Lisette Limited in the business category for their environmentally sustainable forestry road construction operation.
Hastings Intermediate School, in the Ede Award category (which they won in 2003) for further extending their environmental education programme.