Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister for the Environment
Hon Maggie Barry
Minister of Conservation
30 May 2017
Media Statement
2017 Green Ribbon Awards finalists announced
Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry today announced the 2017 Green Ribbon Awards
finalists, recognising exceptional environmental and conservation initiatives throughout New Zealand.
“These national awards, now in their 27th year, play an important role in celebrating and raising the profile of
outstanding contributions by individuals, communities and organisations to protect and manage New Zealand’s
environment,” Dr Smith says.
“The standard of nominations this year was particularly high and it’s great to see so many people and organisations
stepping up to care for our environment. We received close to 150 nominations, from all corners of the country.”
Ms Barry says the finalists are doing exceptional work to conserve New Zealand’s unique environment and species for
generations to come.
“What particularly stands out from the stories of our finalists this year is the leadership they have shown to deliver
significant, tangible outcomes for the environment and conservation,” Ms Barry says.
“Many of the finalists have achieved remarkable results through community involvement and collaboration with others.
They are examples of New Zealanders working together for the common good.”
The Green Ribbon Awards will once again include the presentation of the Loder Cup, which was first awarded in 1929.
“This is one of the country’s oldest conservation awards and recognises outstanding work to protect our native plants.
The Green Ribbon Awards is a fitting opportunity to congratulate the winner of this special award,” Ms Barry says.
All Green Ribbon Awards finalists will be invited to attend a ceremony at Parliament on 8 June. Winners will be
announced for each category, including the overall supreme winner. Read the finalists’ stories on the Green Ribbon
Awards website www.greenribbonawards.org.nz
Finalists for 2017:
Minimising Our Waste:
Webstar | Xtreme Zero Waste | Department of Corrections
Resilience to Climate Change:
New Zealand Post | Post Nelson Ltd | Sustainability Trust
Protecting our Coasts and Oceans:
Whaingaroa Harbour Care | Moana New Zealand and Sanford Ltd | Coastal Restoration Trust of New Zealand | South Taranaki
Underwater Club
Protecting our Biodiversity:
Gisborne District Council | QEII National Trust and its covenanters | Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society |
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community and Environment Trust
Caring for our Water:
Whangawehi Catchment Management Group | Discover Waitomo | Wharekopae Catchment Group
Business Leadership:
Air New Zealand | Nelson Mail, Fairfax Media | Countdown (Progressive Enterprises)
Community Leadership:
Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust| Polhill Protectors | Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust
Leadership in Communication and Education:
The Project Crimson Trust | Zealandia | Dargaville Intermediate School
Kaitiaki Leadership:
Para Kore Marae Inc. | Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu
Philanthropy and Partnership:
Taranaki Mounga Project Ltd | Genesis Energy | The Project Crimson Trust
ends