Annual Report honoured at Sydney awards ceremony

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/

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