Network Awards For 2011 Announced
Octogenarian orchid lovers, a radio host, swamp forest restoration, and island restoration in the Hauraki Gulf have all been honored by the NZPCN in the 2011 awards. These individuals and groups are the leading guardians of our country’s native plants and ecosystems. Young Conservationist
This award went to Cory Meister, a 17 year old from Island Bay in Wellington. He is a regular and enthusiastic volunteer in several environmental planting and restoration groups. See photo above.
Individual
Anne Fraser, former farmer and housewife, is a dedicated orchidologist. She received the Network’s individual award for her strong advocacy of a Nationally Threatened Spiral Sun Orchid (Thelymitra matthewsii).
Plant Nursery
Southland Community Nursery, run by Chris and Brian Rance, won the ‘Plant Nursery Involved in Plant Conservation’ award for its unique approach to the growth, preservation and education of the public about native plant species.
School
The ‘School Plant Conservation Project’ award went to Wanganui Intermediate School, Wanganui for their work in Gordon Park Scenic Reserve. Gordon Park Scenic Reserve is a very important reserve just outside Wanganui.
Community Group
This award went to the Motuihe Trust for the ecological restoration of Motuihe Island, an island of 179 hectares located in the Hauraki Gulf. The Motuihe Trust established a plant nursery on the Island and since 2003 have successfully planted 337,308 plants.
Local Authority
Since the mid 1990s the Greater Wellington Regional Council has been fully committed to pest animal and plant control and monitoring of indigenous plant communities. See photo to the left of Robyn Smith receiving award on behalf of the council.
Lifetime achievement award
John Smith-Dodsworth has been awarded a ‘Life Time Achievement’ award by the Network for his contribution to conservation over the last 30 years. Over the past 10 years he has assisted with setting up the Plant Network website.
Special award
New Zealand broadcaster and weekend host for Radio Live, Graeme Hill has been awarded the Network’s ‘Special Award’ for his work in putting conservation into the media through the Radio Live network.
Posted: 16/11/2011