Green awards of our own
A Russell environmental group is launching the Far North’s first green awards, to recognise companies, individuals and schools that are striving to save the planet.
The Far North Go Green Awards will be presented at a gala event the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, on the Russell waterfront, on March 28, in the categories of a good green idea, an outstanding eco company, and outstanding eco citizen and Eco School of the Year, one of which will be named the supreme winner.
The function will also feature a recycled fashion competition.
The initiative is organised by the Resilient Russell Charitable Trust, better known as the Russell Recyclers. Formed five years ago, the group can be seen promoting recycling at most Bay of Islands events.
Trust chairman John Maxwell said the aim of the awards was to create awareness of the environmentally sustainable direction humankind needed to head towards.
“As far as we know this is the first time this has been done, certainly in the Far North, and possibly in the country,” he said.
“The awards are also a way of publicly acknowledging a large number of people and organisations who want to protect this beautiful area and are doing their bit to make sure it stays that way.”
Co-ordinator Sandy Myhre said the Go Green Awards, which would be presented annually, would initially be limited to Far North entries, but she hoped other regions would pick up the initiative would be picked up by other regions around the country.
Fifteen entries had been received at last report, with nominations closing midMarch. Trust members would select the finalists, with the winners to be chosen by guest judges.
Further details are available at www.russellrecyclers.nz
The inaugural awards have been funded by a grant from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board.