Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
After working as an ecologist for 40 years, Judith became the Chair of the Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust (WBT) when it was formed in 2021. Judith organises workshops for landowners who want to increase biodiversity on their farms, runs talks about the importance of preserving the environment, and champions events to get locals out into the district.
Judith is a fundraising whizz and has helped secure over $65,000 for WBT since its inception. Her focus now is to build up capacity within the organisation, support staff and promote sound ecological principles in all WBT activities.
“I really appreciated being nominated because it was recognition of the work of all the people involved in setting up and running WBT,” Judith said. “I hope through winning this award people can see the positive side of biodiversity management in both the rural and urban parts of the district.”
Dr Judith Roper Lindsay, winner of the individual award
Miles has been a QEII National Trust representative for 23 years and has assisted numerous Canterbury landowners in protecting residual native forest, scrub, tussock grasslands, drylands, and wetlands.
He and his wife Gillian have carried out weed control work together as part of the QEII National Trust.
Miles became involved in the management of Matawai Park in Rangiora whilst Gillian focussed on district environmental advocacy.
Both have been active members of the Canterbury Botanical Society, a group that fosters appreciation and protection of native flora.
Miles and Gillian Giller, winners of the individual award
The main goal of ARRG is to protect the braided river birds that nest along the Ashley Rakahuri awa during spring and summer.
The group, consisting of over 60 active volunteers, sets traps to capture pests like rats and feral cats and monitor the nesting area.
They are constantly learning about threats to the birds, which not only include predators but also human disturbance as well.
Each year they complete a bird count along the awa – last year they found 777 nests – with this year’s count being the 25th since the group’s inception.
ARRG chairperson Sue Mardon said the group was “thrilled to be nominated and felt humbled and very grateful to win and have our year’s work recognised.”
Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group, winner of the group award
Dan Cameron from Terra Centric identified an area with a significant kōwaro/Canterbury mudfish population around Bennetts Stream. To support biodiversity around the stream and improve mudfish habitat, he worked with 44 students from West Eyreton School to plant over 250 native seedlings.
The plants were grown by the students from seed in 2023. The students have since been working with Enviroschools facilitator Siobhan Culhane to learn more about the precious kōwaro and why it should be protected.
“This project took the learning out of the classroom, made it memorable, and inspired future action to protect this special area,” said teacher Michelle Orr. “The students have started growing the next lot of native seeds for future planting of the Bennetts Stream area.”
West Eyreton School, winner of the youth award
Nominees inspire judges
Carolyne Latham, chair of the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee, was delighted by the high calibre of nominees. “The second year of the Waimakariri Environmental Awards again drew a high calibre of individuals, groups, and projects, making it very difficult for the judging panel.
“The Zone Committee is delighted to be facilitating the awards in order to recognise those who are going the extra mile, and we hope that it gives inspiration to all our residents because every little bit counts.”
Chair of the Zone Committee Biodiversity Working Group, Martha Jolly, said, “the second round of these awards brought us some truly inspiring projects that increased indigenous biodiversity, improved the monitoring of water resources, protected braided rivers, and created sustainable recreation.
“Every single applicant deserves kudos. You are our champions!”
