ARTICLE : Conservation Week Awards 2001

 October 2001 – Conservation Week Awards 2001

The following text is based on the citations read by the Minister of Conservation, Hon. Sandra Lee, at the ceremony at Parliament on 13 August.

We congratulate BotSoc’s nominee Gary James, and the Forest and Bird Home Nursery Scheme, on receiving an award in the volunteer category.   In the citation, initiator and co-ordinator’s foresight has seen great work achieved by this dedicated group.   The long-term vision is a restored ecosystem representative of all species including major canopy trees.   Seeds of native plants, including endangered species, are all locally sourced, propagated and grown on by the 20 local home nurseries in the scheme, for projects such as Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, Manawa Karioi and Makara Peak.   In the 10 years of operation from Gary’s home, 70 species have been propagated, producing 70,000 plants.   It was a pleasure to see BotSoccers Gary James and Julia White receiving their well-deserved award.

We also congratulate BotSoccer Stan Butcher, another winner in the volunteer category, who has been involved in conservation for decades.   He has made an outstanding contribution to conservation, as a youth, a teacher and principal, and especially as a retiree.   In 1981 he joined a planting group on Matiu / Somes Island and since then has continued to work there fortnightly with Forest and Bird. He also works fortnightly at Pauatahanui Inlet Wildlife Reserve. Stan is a member of the Trust Board and Executive of Bushy Park, contributing 4-5 days per month.   He received his award for his long-term commitment to ecological restoration, environmental education projects with Hutt City Council, and work with the Department of Conservation on community awareness.

Finally we congratulate BotSoccers Barbara Mitcalfe and Chris Horne who have made an outstanding contribution to conservation independently and together.   Over many years they have worked tirelessly for Wellington Botanical Society, leading field trips, and producing hundreds of submissions advocating indigenous plant conservation.   Botanising together, they have done vegetation surveys throughout the region, and have coauthored 129 plant checklists.   Barbara’s work with the Society, the Department of Conservation, and Wellington Regional Council, has been outstanding in the preservation of our unique flora.   Chris has contributed hundreds of hours over the years, preparing the Society’s newsletter three times per year.   Their combined energy and drive has been an inspiration to many people who are involved in conservation in the region.

Vicky Froude, President