Trail blazing tech wins environment awards

Trail-blazing technology to test for disease and environmental issues has won the Supreme Award at the 2023 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards.

The supreme winner, Blenheim company DNAiTECH took out the top spot, competing with seven other local category winners.

The company’s innovative work developing DNA sampling and analysis that gives on-the-spot answers was praised by judges, a spokesperson says.

“The judges were impressed by the innovation and wide range of environmental applications, the ease of use, and DNAiTECH’s commitment to engaging young people in science.

“Software and equipment is easy to use and has a wide range of applications in testing for harmful pathogens in water, soil, plants, insects and humans.

“There is also an educational element to the business, which aims to introduce students to applying science to real-life situations.”

Would be winners and supporters attended the awards ceremony at the Marlborough Events Centre last night (Thurs).

The Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards are held every two years to showcase businesses and community projects that protect and enhance the environment.

Public field days will be held with all winners to share their knowledge and experience.

The Awards are supported by the Marlborough District Council, Cawthron Institute, Department of Conservation and local sponsors.  

They are:

1. Landscape and Habitat Enhancement: East Coast Protection Group
Increased pressure on wildlife and landscape after the uplift of the Kaikoura earthquake led to the formation of the East Coast Protection Group. They are raising awareness about the special plant and animal communities in the area and collaborating with many others to look after them.

2. Marine: Marine Flex
Picton company Marine Flex has developed a mooring and anchor system that reduces damage to the seabed under marine farms, boats and jettys. Marine Flex’s rubber cables are a big improvement on conventional heavy chains that sweep the seafloor and  impact marine habitat and sealife. The Marine Flex mooring system is sold around the world.

3. Farming: Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks, farmed by Paul and Cath Baker near Renwick, impressed the judges for its diversity. Sheep, beef, seed crops and grapes are grown alongside wetland and biodiversity projects, and there is some tourism activity as well. The Bakers have put a lot of thought into successfully matching land use with land suitability.

4. Wine Industry: Repost
It took a farmer to come up with Repost – a company that recycles broken, chemically treated grape posts into fencing. This solves a serious waste disposal issue for winegrowers, plus provides affordable posts for fencing off streams and significant natural areas around New Zealand. It’s a win for winegrowers, farmers and the environment.

5. Community Innovation: Picton Dawn Chorus
The skilled and energetic team at Picton Dawn Chorus have mobilised volunteers and households to trap pests and bring back native birds. They are constantly thinking of new ways to do things, encouraging and engaging with volunteers. The judges applauded Picton Dawn Chorus’s community-driven response to deal with a degraded environment and the results they’ve achieved.

6. Forestry: M&R Forestland Mangement
M&R Forestland Management focused on good planning and working closely with their logging contractor to reduce erosion, sedimentation and damage to waterways during harvesting at Canantor Forest in the Wakamarina Valley. The judges said this collaboration provides a strong example for other forestry companies to follow.

7. Business Innovation: DNAiTECH