The Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs, has announced the winners of the five Green Ribbon Awards for the year
2000.
The Green Ribbon Awards carry no prize or financial recognition, but are a public acknowledgement of the work
individuals, organisations and businesses have put into protecting and improving the environment.
The 2000 Green Ribbon Awards will be presented to:
Rural category: Di and Graham McBride of Te Kowhai, Waikato. They make the link between good business and good
environmental management through the sustainable farming practices they apply on their farm. Their philosophy of total
integrated management takes into account all factors – animal and human welfare, food safety and quality, and the
protection of flora and fauna.
Business and industry category: Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association for the Franklin Sustainablity Project. Their
trials of sustainable farming practices have shown growers in the Franklin area how to reduce soil erosion and
fertilizer use. The project brought together farmers, agribusiness, local councils and researchers in working to improve
the environment.
Community and local government category: Amberley Residents Association, Hurunui District, North Canterbury. This
voluntary organisation has grown out of a community initiative to reduce and recycle waste, and has survived
considerable variation in the markets for recycled materials. The Association shares what it has learned with other
groups throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Maori category: Liz Burge, of Carterton, for her activities as a Maori resource management spokesperson over the past
10 years. She was nominated by Wellington Regional Council for her work in coordinating comment on all matters relating
to resource management on behalf of the Rangitaane o Wairarapa. She is a strong advocate for the importance of good
communication between iwi and local government.
Environmental education category: Guides New Zealand for their “Save It” campaign. The campaign, which focuses guides
on learning about and doing something positive for a specific plant or animal, is part of a long-term environmental
education programme.
There were a total of 56 nominations for the awards this year.