Prior Publication
Christchurch Press

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Christchurch Press

Organisations in Canterbury and Malborough have been recognised for their outstanding efforts for the environment, making for a strong South Island showing in the 2001 Green Ribbon Awards.

Environment Minister Marian Hobbs announced the winners in Wellington yesterday, marking World Environment Day.

there were 117 nominations. Canterbury organisations scooped three of the eight awards, and a Malborough vineyard won one.

The New Zealand Ecological Restoration Network, based in Christchurch, was recognised for its environmental efforts in the urban environment. The Addington Bush Society, which started with a group of eight Addington families who joined their backyards to plant native trees and shrubs, provided the initial management for the network. Links were made to other small community groups nationally and there are now 143 member organisations and 50 volunteer staff.

Orion New Zealand Ltd, of Christchurch, won the business caring for the environment award for its Demand Side Management Project which aims to promote energy efficiency.

Ashburton farmer Russell Langdon was reward for dedicating much of his land and time to creating habitats for birds, winning
the caring for our biodiversity award. He developed the Hawthorne Wood Wildfowl and Wetland Reserve.

Seresin Estate, at Renwick, Malborough, earned a Green Ribbon for its organically managed 44ha vineyard and 10ha olive grove. the estate uses mulches to improve soil health, wastewater for irrigation, and native plants to control soil erosion. The company has also set up a worm farm to compost staff lunchroom waste. It won the caring for our rural environment award.

"Most New Zealanders want clean water and air and many think our clean, green image is a myth," Ms Hobbs said. "But there are not so many who pitch in to make a difference the way our Green Ribbon Award nominees do."

The other winners were:
Youth Award: Paparore School in Awanui, Northland.
State of the Environment reporting: Environment Waikato and Palmerston North City Council. (separate awards)
Raising awareness of the environment: Dean Williams for the "Green desk" environment programme on Auckland radio.

Keywords
award  Russell Langdon  NZERN 

Updated 20/11/2008 4.11AM by PIPI4