Community Award
Sponsored by NZ Aluminium Smelters Ltd
Winner - Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka
Rarotoka Project
Rarotoka – also known as Centre Island – was returned to Ngai Tahu ownership in 1998 and the Oraka-Aparima Runaka has kaitiaki status over it. Since then, the Runaka has been working to restore the original vegetation on the island with a view to reintroducing some of the indigenous species that lived there before sheep and cattle modified their habitat. Members coordinate a popular volunteer programme, and so far their successes include eradicating rats, a dune restoration project, establishing tracks, planting wetlands and refurbishing the old houses on the island. Back at Colac Bay, the Runaka also runs a nursery on the marae where they propagate plants that are used on Rarotoka and at the Okoura wetlands nearby.
Highly Commended – Dipton Landcare Group
Saviours of Castle Rock
This is the story of a small group of committed locals whose passion for their cause sustained them through three years of fighting a big company, and has recently led to a landmark agreement that will protect the iconic Castle Rock.
The limestone outcrop is highly valued as a landscape feature and also for its geological significance. Fertiliser company Ravensdown also values it highly, and manages it as part of its local quarry. Nine years ago the company announced plans to mine the top face, in the face of growing community opposition. The Landcare Group was formed three years ago and began lobbying and negotiating to have the decision reversed. The result of their tenacity was that Ravensdown agreed earlier this year to place a covenant over the outcrop, that will protect and preserve it.
Highly Commended - Stewart Island / Rakiura Community and Environment Trust.
Environment group continues to grow
The Halfmoon Bay Habitat Restoration Project was SIRCET’s first mission – to engage the Stewart Island community in its efforts to enable the return of native birds to Halfmoon Bay by clearing out pest animals and plants. SIRCET has now protected 210 hectares of land from pest animals with a view to restoring habitat and enabling the return of native birds. The group now runs a community nursery, is just finishing setting up an environment centre and is active in community education, including the “Starfish” programme with the Halfmoon Bay School. The Lonnekers Beach revegetation project has been another opportunity to engage with the locals and the Stewart Island / Rakiura Community and Environment Trust has become accepted as a cornerstone of the island community.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.