Award for couple behind park project

An ‘‘extremely private’’ Auckland couple who have committed $25 million to restoring biodiversity in Abel Tasman National Park have been recognised with a national award.

Neal and Annette Plowman were revealed in 2014 as the funders behind Project Janszoon, a comprehensive bid to restore the park’s native flora and fauna over 30 years.

The couple were awarded the Kea World Class NZ Supreme Award on Thursday for their philanthropy. The annual awards recognise inspirational Kiwis making outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural development.

The Plowmans made their fortune from a laundry business and cinema chain Hoyts.

Project Janszoon was established in 2012 and works in partnership with the Department of Conservation to enhance native forest and birdlife over almost 80 per cent of the park within 30 years.

Former project director Devon McLean said the Plowmans were known to be extremely private, but he thought they were ‘‘quietly very happy’’ with the recognition.

‘‘They got a wonderful standing ovation from the crowd . . . I think they felt very much appreciated by New Zealand.’’

McLean worked with the couple on the restoration of Rotoroa Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, which began in 2008. Once that was complete, the Plowmans asked McLean what he was passionate about.

The Nelson man told them he had always wanted to fix Abel Tasman National Park, and he put a proposal forward, which the couple decided to support. He said Project Janszoon then became a blueprint for the restoration of other New Zealand national parks.

The Plowmans have supported several other significant philanthropic projects in the environment and eduction sectors.

In 2014, they founded the NEXT Foundation to administer a 10-year, $100 million programme of strategic philanthropy. The foundation donates between $5m and $15m a year to up to three major environmental or educational initiatives.