Environmental Awards

The Waimakariri Water Zone Committee's purpose is:

To uphold the mana of the freshwater bodies within the Waimakariri water zone by facilitating enduring land and water management solutions that give effect to the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) vision, principles and targets in our zone.

The Waimakariri Water Zone Committee wants to celebrate those who are contributing towards the protection of our environment and particularly its biodiversity and waterways. You are our champions!

Applications and nominations are sought for the following three categories:

• Youth– 18 or under (could also be a youth group)
• Individual
• Group/Organisation - commercial companies, volunteer groups , NGOs (whether formal or informal)

We're on the lookout for individuals or groups who undertake, champion, or inspire environmental protection, conservation, or restoration, within the Zone .

• Have you been involved with a wetland restoration?
• Are you winning a battle against weeds and pests to protect our indigenous biodiversity?
• Is your company’s native roadside berm looking awesome?
• Has your project helped identify ways to enhance indigenous biodiversity and/or improve our waterways?
• Has your research helped identify ways to enhance indigenous biodiversity and/or improve our waterways?
• Do you know someone who is doing a great job of reducing nutrients and/or sediment entering our waterways?

Criteria:

We want to see how you or your group are enhancing our local natural environment.

We want to understand how your project relates to the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee's Action Plan, by demonstrating one or more of our actions:

• Improved monitoring of ground and surface water;
• Increased indigenous biodiversity;
• Promoting the natural character of braided rivers (particularly of the Ashley/Rakahuri);
• Enhancing environmentally stable recreation/amenity;
• Improved mahinga kai.
  
  

Don't forget to include:

• Your connection to the Waimakariri Zone.
• Full details of project or activities, including photos or other evidence where necessary and available.
• How your project or activities meet the criteria of undertaking, championing, or inspiring environmental protection, conservation, or restoration.

Applications can be submitted online below or emailed with the application form to biodiversity@wmk.govt.nz, or delivered to any Waimakariri District Council libraries or service centres.

Closing date for entries is Monday 18 September. The Panel's decisions are final and binding. Awards will be presented at the Community Service Awards on 18 October 2023 and finalists will be notified by 9 October 2023.

To learn more about the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee, its purpose and actions visit their page on the Environment Canterbury website.