Tasman District, New Zealand Environmentally Friendly Practices Awards
Type: Program
Status: Ongoing
Source File: http://www.tasman.govt.nz/index.php?Awardsforenvironmentallyfriendlypractices
Description:
Tasman District Council is on the lookout for individuals, groups, businesses and schools that are making an effort to look after the environment and protect our heritage.
Nominations are now being called for the annual Environmental Awards and entries must be in by Friday 13 October.
This year there are seven awards categories to enter:
- Most Improved Primary Producer - This award aims to recognise Primary Producers who have carried out a project that has resulted in an improvement in the environmental management of their property. Projects could include: management of spray drift; planting or fencing along a river; wetland enhancement work; pest management; improvement in farm management systems; work to protect remnant stands of trees and other vegetation; trees on farms projects; improved storage of hazardous substances; reduction in packaging; water conservation initiatives.
- Most Improved Dairy Farm - This award is to recognise a Dairy Farmer who has carried out a project that has resulted in an improvement in the environmental management of their property. Projects could include: effluent disposal; planting or fencing along a river; improved laneways, stock access and stock crossings; wetland enhancement work; pest management; nutrient budgeting, feed budgeting and improvements in farm management systems; work to protect remnant stands of trees and other vegetation; trees on farms projects.
- “We are not looking for the farmer who is doing everything perfectly, but we would like to hear about any project that contributes to the improved management and running of your farm environment. No project is too small to be considered,” said Council’s Environmental Education Officer Claire Webster.
- Business and Industry - This award aims to recognise Businesses and Industries taking steps, however small, to improve their management or outputs in regards to sustainable use of environmental resources.
- Schools Award - This award aims to recognise a school that is working towards educating students and staff about sustainability, and putting in place projects to improve environmental management in the school’s environment.
- Individual and Pairs Volunteer Award - This award recognises Individuals and Pairs working (not for profit) to improve and protect the environmental resources of the Tasman District.
- Community Groups - This award aims to recognise Community Groups working (not for profit) to improve and protect the environmental resources of Tasman District.
- Heritage – Structures and Cultural The Heritage award aims to recognise heritage activities that promote and conserve this district’s past for its future.
- (a) Structures – buildings, bridges, marae, and archaeological sites.
- (b) Cultural - books, brochures, education and activities that promote and conserve historical knowledge and skills. Material should relate to Tasman District.
This year a Supreme Award has also been introduced for the overall winner.
The judging panel will be made up of one councillor and two relevant experts in each category. The judges will be looking for ideas that minimise environmental effects, innovation, leadership and sustainable use of resources.
“It doesn’t matter how big or small the project is, we just want to celebrate those people who are making a difference in our community,” said Ms Webster.
Sponsored prizes to the value of $1000 will be awarded to the winners of each category and winners will be presented with their awards and prizes at the Environmental Awards ceremony in late November.