Taranaki Regional Council media release

2 February 2009
For immediate release

Wanted: Taranaki’s Clean, Green Achievers

More candidates are sought to join the ranks of Taranaki’s growing green army of environmental heroes.

Nominations for this year’s Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards close at the end of March and the Council’s Chairman, David MacLeod, says it’s a great opportunity to recognise the energy, drive and commitment that is vital to keeping the region clean and green.

“Since the scheme started in 1993, we’ve made 138 awards to community groups, farmers, companies, local authorities, schools and individuals for their achievements in a wide range of projects that protect and enhance our environment,” he says.

“The fact that we enjoy a generally good environment in Taranaki is not a matter of luck – it’s thanks to the efforts of these winners and many others at all levels of society. The awards scheme provides fitting recognition.”

The awards are split into three categories:

• Industrial/local authority (32 awards since 1993 – 27 to companies, four to councils and one to a Government agency).
• Agricultural (47 awards since 1993).
• Individual/school/community (59 awards since 1993 – 14 to individuals, 24 to schools and 21 to community groups including marae and hapu).

Mr MacLeod says any type of environmental project can be considered for an award.

To qualify, they must make a practical contribution to the sustainable management of the natural resources of the region, or promote community awareness of the need for sustainable management through a promotional or educational programme.

The projects must be sustainable over time and not depend on a continuing subsidy larger than the benefit to the community. They must be current, ongoing or nearing completion, and be carried out in Taranaki.

The deadline for nominations is 31 March. Nomination forms are available from the Taranaki Regional Council’s Public Information Section (phone 06 765 7127 or e-mail info@trc.govt.nz).

Nominations can also be made via the Council website, www.trc.govt.nz – click on the Environment tab at the top of the home page, then Environmental Awards.

Last year’s winners are also listed on the website.

Unlike similar schemes in other parts of the country, there is no corporate sponsorship of the Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards.

ENDS

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