Individual Award
Sponsored by Forsyth Barr
Winner - Fred Inder.
The eye of the community.
Fred Inder has been dedicated to the health of Southland's water his whole life. Now aged 80, Fred is still an Honorary Ranger for Fish and Game, he's Te Anau's Harbour Warden, a Guardian of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai and Te Anau, and has been in charge of the fish pass at the Manapouri Lake Control structure since it opened. He monitors water quality for both Environment Southland and Meridian Energy and is rightly known as “the eye of the community” in the Te Anau Basin. Fred's dedication and passion was honoured with the Individual Award.
Highly Commended- James Pirie.
High on a hill above the Southern Scenic Route near Tokanui, there's a magnificent stand of native forest. James Pirie bought this 47ha block with the sole intention of protecting its rimu, kahikatea and other trees for posterity.
He has placed a QEII Covenant on the land, and he walks up the steep hillside whenever he can to maintain the tracks, clear the bush and enjoy the sound of the birds. James was highly commended for his efforts in the Individual section of the awards.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.