Find out more about the winner of the award, Restore PG Nops Reserve Care Group.
Winner
Restore PG Nops Reserve Care Group
For commitment to supporting pest management and protecting biodiversity in Taranaki
The PG Nops Reserve in Inglewood is being restored thanks to the mahi of the volunteers, who maintain the Key Native Ecosystem, control predators and are working to turn the tide of invasive pest plants. The Care Group collaborates with Taranaki Regional and New Plymouth District councils to preserve the remnant forest and its efforts are helping to protect copper skink, tūī, kererū, ruru, koura and tuna. They have spent thousands of hours at the reserve at working bees and organise educational visits to spread the word about its importance with community groups. The judges said the successful control of pest plants and animals has played a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity. Volunteer Neil Chesterton says: “Now it’s attractive at the entrance and people are attracted to come in. To have this native reserve, which is just native bush, in Inglewood is amazing.”