In 2023, we have revamped the categories to reflect what matters most to our region. There's now a category to suit every environmental hero!
Categories
Youth environmental leader: This award recognises a young individual aged 10 - 25 whose leadership, support of others and willingness to share ideas is making a significant contribution to Taranaki’s environment.
| Judges look for | A commitment to a project that supports the protection and improvement of Taranaki's natural environment. |
Environmental leadership in farming: Recognises farmers and land owners who demonstrate leadership and excellence in environmental stewardship or sustainable farming and land use practices. The category is open to dairy, sheep and beef, poultry, pig farmers and forestry or other agricultural land use.
Category sponsor: Fonterra
| Judges look for |
A commitment that goes beyond regulatory requirements to help protect, conserve or restore water quality or biodiversity through soil conservation, erosion control, riparian planting or other means. Measureable outcomes that show how the work supports and advances good environmental outcomes in Taranaki. |
Environmental leadership in climate action: This category recognises individuals or groups taking action to adapt to a changing climate and transition to a low-carbon future for Taranaki.
Category sponsor: Taranaki Daily News
| Judges look for |
A project or activity that seeks to mitigate projected climate change impacts. Measureable outcomes that show how the project seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve the region's climate change resilience. |
Environmental action in the community: Recognises not-for-profit organisations, groups, individuals, iwi, hapū or whānau that are taking action to protect or enhance the environment or are increasing understanding of environmental issues.
Category sponsor: Methanex
| Judges look for |
A community-led environmental project or initiative that sustainably supports the activities that constitute healthy community life within our region. Measureable outcomes that show how the work supports and advances good environmental outcomes in Taranaki. |
Environmental action in education: Recognises actions in the education sector to protect or enhance the environment or commitment to increasing understanding and bringing about change on environmental issues.
Category sponsor: Contact Energy
| Judges look for |
A project that engages or empowers students to protect the environment. Measureable outcomes that show how the work supports and advances good environmental outcomes in Taranaki. |
Environmental action in water quality improvement: This category recognises individuals or groups taking action to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values within water bodies in Taranaki.
| Judges look for |
A commitment to helping protect, conserve or restore water quality through soil conservation, erosion control, riparian planting, innovative water conservation, water treatment or other means. Measureable outcomes that show how the work supports and advances water quality and/or ecosystem health in Taranaki waterways. |
Environmental action in biodiversity: This category recognises individuals, groups, businesses, organisations or local government agencies that are leading projects and activities including pest control and restoration that help the region's native flora and fauna flourish.
| Judges look for |
A project or activity that is working to improve biodiversity or biosecurity on land. Measureable outcomes that show how the work supports and advances biodiversity or biosecurity in Taranaki. NB: Projects that are improving water biodiversity should be entered in the water quality category |
General criteria (all categories)
There will also be points awarded for:
- The extent to which the project considers, or gives effect to, Māori perspectives and values.
- Future focus - the scale of the project and the extent to which it can be transferred to other parts of the region.
Requirements:
- Activity or project must be carried out in the Taranaki region
- Where applicable, applicants must have excellent compliance with consent conditions throughout the period of activity, or for the last three years.
- Activity or project must be current, ongoing or near completion
- Previous winners are eligible for nomination after a minimum of five years
- Recipients of other awards are eligible for nomination for these awards.
Contact us
Environmental Awards
Phone: 06 765 7127
Email an enquiry