Otago Conservation Awards
The Otago Conservation Awards give recognition and kudos to deserving individuals or groups who volunteer their time help protect species, or natural or historic features, or enhance recreational opportunities, through hands-on or advocacy roles.
The six finalists (three from Coastal Otago and three from Inland Otago), as judged by the Otago Conservation Board, are publicised during Conservation Week in September. The winners are announced at the Conservation Award evenings held during Conservation Week.
Winners receive a trophy but there is no monetary reward associated with these Awards.
2011 winners
Congratulations to Valerie Fay for winning the 2011 Conservation Award for Coastal Otago. Val has been co-ordinating volunteer planting at Orokonui Ecosanctuary for the past six years. Runners-up were Roy Johnstone, South Otago Forest and Bird chairman, for his work protecting penguins in The Catlins amongst other volunteer work, and Setpoint Solutions Ltd for their sponsorship and involvement in jewelled gecko conservation on Otago Peninsula over the past three years.
The Inland Otago winner in 2011 was Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group. This 55-strong volunteer group is tackling the wilding tree problem in the Wakatipu area head-on. Runners-up were Graeme Harford of Dunedin, who has volunteered as a warden at the Aspiring and Siberia huts in Mount Aspiring National Park every summer for the past 19 years, and Malcam Charitable Trust Conservation Corps for their work across Central Otago over the past 13 years.
Toroa Award
The schools' Turoa Award is also announced at the Coastal Otago Award evening. This award acknowledges schools and students who have initiated conservation or environmental projects that have strong links with their community.
The 2011 Turoa Award was won by Kaikorai Valley College in Dunedin for their environmental and conservation work on the Kaikorai Stream.
Contact
If you would like more information please contact your local DOC Area Office: