A low number of entries to the Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards this year has lead to a decision to hold the awards every two years.
The Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards is supported by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council and has been a combined council initiative since 2002.
“While it is disappointing for this year’s entrants who have done some good, interesting work, it’s difficult to run a robust judging process with a low number of entries, only seven across all categories,” said Napier Councillor Dave Pipe who chairs the joint Council working group.
He says that low number of entries may be a reflection of the ‘mainstreaming’ of sustainable environmental action.
“More people are doing great things in Hawke’s Bay and the exceptional projects are now taking longer to come to fruition. We believe a move to a two yearly award will allow projects to develop to a greater potential.”
The joint council working group had considered going two yearly when they reviewed the awards categories earlier this year, but had hoped there was still enough interest in an annual award.
“This decision is no reflection on the quality of the entries, and I have spoken to all the entrants personally to explain the situation,” said Cr Pipe.
“All of the entries are ongoing projects which will only benefit from the delay in allowing more growth and establishment, and the delay in the awards won’t stop these people from their commitment to helping create a better environment in Hawke’s Bay.”
After the local government elections, the new Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards Working Group, made up of Councillors from Napier, Hastings and Hawke’s Bay Regional Councils, will decide on the scheduling of the next awards. This year’s entries will be held in the meantime and staff will contact entrants when the awards are reconvened to ask if they still want to enter and need to update any information. |