Neil Chesterton and his fellow Inglewood volunteers never imagined they’d get an award for having fun in their local reserve.
So winning a Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Action in Biodiversity Award last year was a welcome surprise for the Restore PG Nops Reserve Care Group, who put in countless hours weeding, planting and trapping pests.
“Getting the award helped us realise that this fun time we have each month in our reserve is appreciated and noticed by others,” Mr Chesterton says.
Nominations for the 2025 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards close on 25 August. There are seven categories covering everything from farming to climate change action, education to community groups and biodiversity to water quality.
Mr Chesterton urges our environmental achievers to enter, saying it has raised awareness of his group’s work and inspires others to get involved. Other former winners agree.
Uruti School won the Environmental Action in Education award last year.
“It gave the tamariki a great sense of achievement. It has motivated them to maintain their kura and its environment,” says principal Joanne Thomas.
It has gone on to achieve the Green Gold Enviro School status, a big achievement for a tiny school.
Tree Machine was highly commended in the same category. Business manager Astyn Hare says the award affirmed the relevance and impact of their work and the importance of uplifting future environmental leaders.
“We encourage others to enter as a way to share their positive impact and help strengthen a collective movement toward a more resilient and sustainable Taranaki.”
Council Communications & Engagement Manager Jose Reader says the awards recognise and celebrate those who may otherwise slip under the radar.
“Our winners are often humble people who don’t think they are doing anything particularly special. They’re not doing it for the awards, they’re doing it because they love the land, they love Taranaki and they want to leave our environment better than they found it.
“The awards evening is always so full of inspiration, hope and positivity that even the most reluctant nominees leave with a huge smile on their face.”
For more information or to nominate yourself or someone else click here.