Find out more about the winner of the award, Otaraua Hapū Taiao Team.
Winner
Otaraua Hapū Taiao Team
For taking action to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values within Taranaki water bodies
Otaraua Hapū Taiao Team’s dedication and commitment to improving fish passages in Taranaki streams is helping to identify and address issues affecting these vital ecological corridors. The group’s Mauri Wai team has been working with NIWA over the past two years to assess fish passages along state highways and waterways in Waitara. The judges commended the combining of traditional Māori knowledge with modern techniques to lead to a significant improvement in native ecosystems and biodiversity. Team leader Karlee Rice says: "We’re really proud of the work we’ve been doing which is going to allow for our native species to get upstream and thrive. It’s going to allow our rivers and streams to become healthier for future generations to come."