Calling all environmental champions
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The lookout is on for Waimakariri’s environmental champions.
Waimakariri Zone Committee chairperson Carolyne Latham is encouraging people to get their nominations in for the Waimakariri Environmental Awards.
The awards were established last year and are organised in conjunction with the Waimakariri District Council’s community service awards.
‘‘Everything went quite smoothly last year so we are just trying to do the same again,’’ Latham said.
‘‘I would really encourage people to enter or make a nomination because the environmental awards help to bring into the spotlight all the good work that is going on out there, and hopefully inspire others as well.
‘‘Most don’t want or seek recognition, but are quite chuffed when they get it.’’
With two ecologists on the judging panel, entering the awards is an opportunity to get some feedback and advice on projects, she said.
The judging panel can also give suggestions for funding sources if it is required.
Last year’s winners included Noelene Francis, who runs the Silverstream Reserve planting days, Oxford Dark Sky and Cust School.
Nominations close on August 16 and there are three categories for individuals, groups and youth.
This year’s winners will receive a $750 voucher, some plants from Riverside Horticulture and a framed certificate.
The Waimakariri Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Waimakariri District Council and Environment Canterbury.
To find out more about the awards, go to: www.ecan.govt.nz....
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.5% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.9% Critical thinking
-
29.9% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.8% Other - I will share below!
Loading…