Media Release
14 June 2006
Annual Report honoured at Sydney awards ceremony
Landcare Research has received the ARA Sustainability Reporting Award for its 2005 Annual Report.
The awards are run by the Australasian Reporting Awards, an independent not-for-profit organisation supported by
volunteers from the business world and professional bodies concerned about the quality of financial and business
reporting. ARA criteria are based on international best practice guidelines.
The Sustainability Reporting Award is one of six Special Awards conferred. It recognises the importance of involving
stakeholders in environmental concerns and initiatives, and acknowledges excellence in reporting with full disclosure of
key aspects of core business. The winning report is regarded as a model for other peer groups.
Landcare Research senior sustainability advisor Professor Ann Smith says judges commented on the report’s strong ethical
position that goes well beyond “lip service”. They described it as innovative and groundbreaking, commended its
inclusion of stories about work with iwi and its use of Te Reo, and praised its presentation and use of natural images.
Judges considered that the integration of financial and non-financial criteria, or quadruple bottom line reporting, is
an excellent example for other companies wishing to do the same.
Professor Smith says the award is a real honour, and has attracted the attention of large Australasian companies.
“For example, the representative from National Australia Bank is recommending that companies look at our report,
particularly as we are one of the few to combine economic, social and environmental reporting successfully.”
Production of the 2005 Annual Report was led by Landcare Research Operations Manager Dr Maggie Lawton.
ENDS
Landcare Research’s 2005 Annual Report is available online:
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/annualreport_0405/