Environment awards
Jade Maguire, who has worked hard to create an eco-learning space at Colac Bay, won an individual environmental leadership or action award at a gala ceremony in Invercargill last night.
Maguire was among several people who were recognised in the 23rd Southland Community Environment Awards.
At the Te Takutai o te Tı¯tı¯ Marae, his eco-learning space aims to teach community skills to recover the natural environment and improve their own health. He’s built a native nursery where he works with the community to grow thousands of plants each year, which are used in restoration projects. He has set up vegetable gardens to teach people how to grow their own food.
There were 27 nominees representing all corners of the south. The other winners were:
Environmental Action in Education: Menzies College for its year 12 science class which has been working on a project in the Mimihau River to catch and tag trout. They’ve also been hatching and growing brown trout to release back into the river and have received training and support from Fish & Game.
Environmental Leadership in Farming and Land Management: Peter McDonald and Kim Spencer-McDonald for their strong focus on sustainability and consideration of the environment. The couple farms 669 hectares of hill country in the Caroline Valley, including 135ha in native podocarp forest and scrubland, and a further 29ha in a QEII covenant. The pair moved away from cattle grazing and transition to sheep, after recognising this was the best decision from a land-use perspective.
Environmental Achievement: Paul Duffy for his work with the South Catlins Charitable Trust. He has been involved for the past nine years, and has worked hard with others on the creation of the Tumu Toka Curioscape, the improvement of tourism-related facilities and the preservation and restoration of bush around the small coastal town. He has been instrumental in the trust’s protection of its environment including the petrified forest and penguin habitat.
Environmental Action in the Community: The Forest Hill Foundation Trust for the huge amount of work undertaken at Forest Hill since 2005 to remove pests and predators. The forest floor has become more diverse and the sound of birdsong has increased. The group has worked with landowners to develop a joint approach. They have set their sights high, with the goal to establish a 3.8-kilometre predator fence around the perimeter of the northern block. Guardian Award: Kaitiaki Tohu Pai was a new award last year and this year it was presented to Wini Solomon for her outstanding commitment to sharing our culture and heritage. She has inspired generations of New Zealanders to make connections with each other and the natural environment. Her teachings help start conversations about the wider world, and the judges were struck by the connection she has with her students. She has spent more 40 years inspiring others and sharing her knowledge.
Long Service Award: Otatara couple Russell and May Evans were presented with an award in recognition of their dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating native birds. For nearly 30 years, this couple has saved many of the kereru, tui, bellbirds and kingfishers, which are brought to their door each year. The pair’s work with their landcare group has further helped the survival of native birds in the area.
Councillors’ Special Award: Bluff 2024 was the recipient for its work to enhance the appearance and vibe of Bluff. The group of about eight to 10 core volunteers, with a wider network of community supporters, have successfully tackled large projects including the beautification of the highway coming into town, the new Bluff sign, the remodelling of Ocean Beach and Morrison’s Beach car parks and annual street clean-ups.