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Motueka garage wins top environment award
25 November 2008
The district's environmental warriors were acknowledged at the Tasman Environment Awards held at the Moutere Hills Community Centre on Friday 21 November 2008.
The Supreme Award went to Parkes Automotive of Motueka, which received $1000 from sponsor Landcare Research.
The award was presented by Andrew Fenemor from Landcare Research, who said that the business was making an outstanding effort in the difficult field of the automotive industry and that it was good to see a business working so hard to do the right thing.
Anita Newport, who owns the business with partner Andrew Parkes, said their company recycled everything they could.
“All of our waste oils get recycled., We work with our customers to recycle LPG canisters and tyres, all our office paper is recycled and we take the food scraps home for the worm farm – it goes through our whole life.”
Anita said that the business was highly commended last year when they were still putting the processes in place, and that is was satisfying to win the supreme award this year now that the system is up and running.
“The judges could see how it all worked and that was probably a big help,” said Anita. The business has just set up a drainage system that ensures that no run-off from the premises goes into the stormwater drains, and Anita said they were still finding ways to recycle and re-use waste products.
“If we can do it anyone can,” she said.
The business also won the Commercial Award and received a $1000 advertising voucher from Radio Nelson for that section.
Other winners were:
Community and Neighbourhood Group Award
Winner: Golden Bay Streamcare Group for its huge effort in raising plants and establishing them in areas alongside streams that have been fenced on dairy farms in the Aorere and Motupipi catchments of Golden Bay. The judges were impressed by the contribution the work has made in improving water quality, and the ability of the group to engage, educate and work alongside the community. They recieved $1000 prize from sponsor Fulton Hogan.
Highly commended: Native Bird Recovery Richmond.
Commended: Marahau/Sandy Bay Ratepayers and Residents Association.
Individuals and Families Award
Winner: Albie Burgers for instigating a carpooling network in Golden Bay. Carpooling is a cost-effective initiative that is going to be pivotal in Tasman District’s ability to help commuters and the environment. Albie’s website is user-friendly and low maintenance and he integrates it with e-letters and newsletter advertising to enhance the website use.
He received the $1000 prize from sponsor the Cawthron Institute Trust Board.
Highly Commended: Margaret and Selwyn Barron
Commercial Award
There were a record number of businesses nominated for the Commercial Environment Award this year. This reflects the growing importance of being able to market businesses as environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Winner: Parkes Automotive.
Highly Commended: Tasman Bay Vets
The received a$500 advertising voucher from Radio Nelson.
Commended: Waitapu Fishing Co.
The received a $500 advertising voucher from Radio Nelson.
Heritage/Cultural Award
Winner: Between the Ports – Collingwood to Waitapu by Carol Dawber and Cheryl Win, commissioned by the Bainham Reunion Committee. The judges commented that this was a well produced and attractive book, with extensive use of historical photographs. The text is comprehensive, well-traversed and easy to navigate.
They received $500 from sponsor Ngati Rarua Atiawa Iwi Trust.
Highly Commended: Aporo – A Taste of Tasman
Commended: Aorere Centre
Schools Award
Winner: Greenwood Kindergarten. The judges loved the age-appropriate, innovative ideas, and the wide-ranging approach including recycling, waste, energy efficiency, worm-farming, biking to kindy and healthy eating.
They received $1000 from Sealord.
Highly Commended: Salisbury School
Highly Commended: Ngatimoti School
Rural Award
Winner: Jerry Reuhl of Golden Bay for the creation of riparian strips and planting of his property between Pakawau and Puponga. The judges were impressed by the effort to get good advice, to obtain large numbers of appropriate native trees, and to involve local contractors to do a lot of the work. Environmental benefits include reduced contamination of the coastal estuary and improved habitat for birds and fish. The planting provides a best practice example of riparian management.
He received $1000 from sponsor Nelson Pine Industries.
Highly Commended Galeo Estates.
Youth Award
Winner: Green Teens - Abby Ward, Sophie Turner and Brittany Packer . The judges comment that these young people have maintained on their own initiative, an ongoing interest in the environment that has blossomed into positive and practical action with their campaign to reduce the amount of plastic bags used in the region. They have worked with people in a practical manner to overcome problems.
They received $1000 from sponsor Nelson Aviation College.
Highly Commended the Salisbury Enviro Group
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