Community awards

Nominations are now closed

Murihiku Southland’s environmental achievers will be celebrated at the 2026 Environment Southland Community Awards in Invercargill, on Thursday October 22nd.

Every year, we know that many community groups, schools, businesses and farmers are taking action to make a significant difference to our region's environment.

In their 30th year, the awards recognise and reward those unsung heroes in our community that are undertaking outstanding mahi that is driving environmental progress.

We’ve received a huge number of fantastic nominations for this year’s awards, and we can’t wait to share the stories of the incredible mahi happening across Murihiku Southland.

These nominations highlight the many ways people across our communities are making a real difference for our environment.

Nominations for the 2026 Environment Southland Community Awards are now closed. Our judges now face the exciting challenge of reviewing the entries and selecting the finalists.

If you’ve been nominated, or nominated someone else, we’ll be in touch in August.

All finalists will be invited to attend the awards dinner on Thursday 22 October at Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill, where the winners will be announced.

Award Categories

Nominations were invited across categories including community action, farming, business, education, youth and individual leadership. Last year, these categories were sponsored by:

Emerging Environmental Action Award

Kindly Sponsored by Southern Water & Land Planning

This award recognises initiatives, that have been established within the past two years, which are making strong environmental progress and have the scope to make a significant contribution to Southland’s environment.

Group initiatives and projects, as well as individuals, businesses and school groups are eligible to be nominated.

Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity

Kindly sponsored by the Invercargill Licensing Trust

This award recognises projects/actions that support biodiversity and/or biosecurity in Southland. Judges are looking for projects/actions with a clear aim/s that demonstrate progress. Individuals and groups are eligible for this award.

Environmental Leadership and Innovation in Business

Kindly sponsored by Milford Sound Tourism

This award recognises commercial entities that are operating with an environmental ethos and are showing leadership within the business community. Judges are looking for innovative thinking and action either within the business operation or in product/service development. Businesses/commercial entities, regardless of size, are eligible for this award.

Environmental Action in the Community

Kindly sponsored by Real NZ

This award recognises groups that are working collaboratively within their community to enhance Southland’s environment. Judges are looking for enduring or completed projects that have clear aims and successes. Groups, societies, not-for-profit organisations, youth movements and service clubs are all eligible for this category.

Environmental Action in Education

Kindly sponsored by Fonterra

This award recognises environmentally-focused projects in education. Judges are looking for projects/action that engage students in environmental learning and empower them to make a difference. This award is specific to schools, kura kaupapa Māori, early childhood centres or tertiary institutions. Whole schools/learning centres, groups or individuals are eligible for this award.

Environmental Leadership in Farming

Kindly sponsored by Wynn Williams

This award recognises whole-farm approaches to environmental issues and innovations in farm practices, water management and land management in Murihiku Southland. Judges are looking for clear leadership/innovation and action that has wins for the environment. All farmers/farms are eligible for this award.

Individual Environmental Leadership or Action

Kindly sponsored by ANZ

This award recognises an individual whose leadership, action, support of others and effectiveness to collaborate and influence others is making a significant contribution to Southland’s environment.

Environmental Action in Wetlands & Waterways

Kindly sponsored by Southland Fish & Game

This award recognises individuals, groups, businesses or farms that are taking action to improve water quality within Southland. Judges are looking for action resulting in enduring improvements to water quality that relate to wetlands, estuaries, rivers, streams or lakes. Projects/actions in the early stages of environmental action or established projects and those in either urban or rural settings are eligible for this award.