Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards 2008 were presented at a ceremony at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House on 17 October by guest presenters Te Rawhitiroa Bosch, National Youth Coordinator for the Enviroschools Trust, and Hawke’s Bay actor Antonio Maioha.
The awards were designed and created by artist Julia Godfree of Havelock North – these Oamaru stone awards have a green glass element this year to mark the 2008 awards. Winners also receive a certificate and a cheque for $500 to assist with the further development of their project.
The awards are organised each year jointly by Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council and Hastings District Council.
WINNERS 2008
Community category - ECOED Pan Pac Kiwi Creche development at Lake Opouahi
The Environment, Conservation and Outdoor Education Trust have developed a safe kiwi breeding area, and are providing opportunities for community involvement and outdoor education.
Rural - Bruce and Scott Wills at Trelinnoe
Leadership in sustainable management of their rural property including tree-planting for shade and covenanting of up to 10% of their property to restore bush areas.
Business – GM Panelbeaters Ltd, Waipukurau
This business is a good example of environmentally sustainable commercial operation, with innovative practices that consider safety and welfare of staff and customers.
Product/Service – Wildtech
The development of their ‘egg timer’ kiwi transmitter is a locally developed tool to assist kiwi breeding programmes and will further assist wildlife conservation programmes.
Cleaner Production – Eastern Institute of Technology
A campus-wide waste recycling programme which includes a large composting operation and recycling is a good example of leadership which prompts behaviour change for the whole campus.
Environmental education – Jenz Montessori at Clive
Integration of environmental education in their pre-school programme promotes fun, responsibility and positive values from a young age.
Individual/family category – Garth Eyles
Garth’s leadership has encouraged sustainable land practices for farms and councils, and developed positive community projects throughout the region.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Highly commended certificates were presented to:
The Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust for kiwi conservation and restoration of natural environment.
The Westshore Wildlife Reserve Kiwi Breeding Facility for kiwi conservation and assisting other groups with their kiwi goals.