Field research key for Enviro Awards

Examinations of entries for the 2024/5 Port Marlborough - Marlborough Environment Awards are done, and it’s now a waiting game for the 25 entrants across the region.

The biennial competitions awards night is on Wednesday 16 April at the ASB Theatre, with awards across eight categories of entrants.

Awards judging coordinator Wendy Sullivan emphasised how impressed she was by the high standard of entry, the diverse nature of entrants and the efforts of her judging team.

“The diversity is remarkable, which shows everyone can incorporate positive environmental impact into their lives and industries. Comparing vastly different nominations can be challenging; selection of category winners can last for hours. Ultimately, we assess their environmental gain, whether they serve as exemplary models, and if it can be sustained.

“After each visit, we compile a report with insights and recommendations for growth. Site visits are never dull—we can head to remote spots, wade through swamps, climb steep hills, and once even ended up with a flat battery in Okiwi Bay!”

The thorough judging process sees three judges visit each entrant before comparing and contrasting.

“Environmental challenges can feel a heavily burden to carry, however Marlborough’s ‘environmental community’ is supportive of each other, and we are all very willing to help each other out and see others succeed,” says Wendy.

“Successful projects often have done that, for others the awards process is the start of those networks, but all nominees take pride in what they do and see it as a valuable opportunity for feedback and new ideas.”

And as the end of the two-year cycle nears, Wendy hopes more people jump at the opportunity for an operation examination, with special aims at getting more farm entries involved.

“Historically, we haven’t received many nominations from farmers, not due to lack of exceptional environmental work but because farmers tend to keep a low profile.
“This year’s four entries in that category were fantastic, yet there are many more amazing farms I’d like to see come forward.

“We look for entries that go “above and beyond”, projects that not only excelled in environmental enhancement, but inspire and educate others and show environmental stewardship permeating every aspect of a project, business, or property.

“It’s tough, but it underscores the high quality of nominations.”

Purchase tickets for the Awards Night at https://www.mea-nz.com/ There will be a free opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the category winners at free field days.

Enviro awards entrant list

Farm

• Ben Morven Farm
• Mt Rimu Farm
• Meadowbank Station
• Glentoi Farm

Community Innovation

• Canvastown School
• Envirohub Marlborough
• Linkwater School
• Selmes Garden Charitable Trust
• Waikawa Bay School

Electrification & Energy Efficiency

• TRS Limited
• Hortus
• Dynes Transport

Forestry

• BEL Forestry/MacKenzie - Forest Management
• Tasman Pine Forests Ltd
• Top of the South Wood Council

Landscape & Habitat

• Forest & Bird Marlborough
• Oruapuputa Wetland Restoration Project
• Te Hoiere Bat Recovery Project
• Linkwater Catchment Group
• Wild Waikawa

Marine

• Waikawa Boating Club
• Marine Farming Association
• Envirohub Marlborough

Wine

• Future Post
• Rose Family Estate Liquid Waste Reduction

Business Innovation

• Kinzett Tomatoes & Matt Gale Contracting
• Oceania Marina Cove
• Climate Action Marlborough
• Hortus