New Look Environmental Action Awards Open Soon

New look environmental awards for Hawke’s Bay will open for applications on 26 September for anyone involved in environmental projects and sustainability programmes.

The Environmental Action Awards have been designed to reflect the upsurge in mainstream environmental awareness in particular, with more households and community groups involved in actions to increase sustainability or consider the environment. These awards replace the former Hawke’s Bay Environmental Awards which were held until 2009.

“The awards have adapted to the modern way of life, where many more people are getting involved in sustainability action and environmental care which is great to see,” said Drew Broadley, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s communications manager.

The awards are sponsored by Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Wairoa District Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.

“We are particularly excited to be working with the Department of Conservation and merging their excellent award categories for volunteers and natural history or heritage projects. It’s also a positive step to involve Wairoa and CHB councils and showcase leading projects in their communities.”

People have until 20 October to enter the awards via Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The applications are all open anyone involved in projects or nominations from people who want some key people and projects in their community recognised.

There are six categories to the awards

• Outstanding Contribution to the Environment Award is for a high level of environmental or conservation leadership, of the level of a ‘lifetime achievement award’.
• Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) Project Excellence Award is for an individual or group who has applied for funding through the Local Environmental Action Fund and progressed or completed their small project goals with excellence.
• Sus’d Programme Excellence Award is for a family, group or marae who have made significant progress in running a sustainable home/s and property, including people in Hastings Sus’d programme.
• DOC Catherine Tiffen Volunteer Award is for individuals and groups who have demonstrated a significant contribution to conservation and the environment through their voluntary efforts. Open to all volunteers not just DOC volunteers.
• DOC Natural History, Heritage Conservation Award is for individuals and groups who have demonstrated a significant commitment in encouraging the protection and cultivation of the natural fauna, flora and/or historic values within Hawke’s Bay.
• Community Environment Award is for a high level of development of environmental projects in urban and rural areas, covering wetlands, bush regeneration, water quality etc.

Finalists will be advised in October and the winners will be announced at the free public awards event.

The Awards presentation event will be held on Wednesday 16 November 2011 at Lindisfarne College Auditorium, Pakowhai Road, Hastings from 5.00-7.00pm.

“An award scheme has been a tradition in the region since 1995. Having the awards so well supported by councils and the Department of Conservation is a great way to celebrate together the environmental gains being actively made in Hawke’s Bay.”

Application forms, and other information about the awards is available on the Hawke's Bay Regioanal Council website.

View more details and application form