Find out more about the winners of the award, East Taranaki Environment Collective and Pukerangiora Hapū.
Winner
East Taranaki Environment Collective and Pukerangiora Hapū
For working collaboratively to protect and enhance the environment at Everett Park Scenic Reserve and increasing understanding of environmental issues
The East Taranaki Environment Collective (ETEC), in partnership with Pukerangiora Hapū, are working together to improve biodiversity within the Everett Park Scenic Reserve near Inglewood. Collaborating with the Department of Conservation since 2022, a major pest eradication programme has included installing 300 traps with monitoring showing a dramatic reduction in possum and rat numbers. The judges commended the initiative for its impact on increasing native birdlife and creating a programme that benefits both the environment and the community. Jacqui Lichtwark, from Pukerangiora Hapū, says: “It’s been really great working with East Taranaki Environment Collective on this project and definitely aligns with Pukerangiora values.” ETEC general manager Kat Strang says: “We’re really proud of what this community has achieved at Everett Park.”