Environment
Southland's environment awards have reached their 30th year, and on Thursday night the region's conservation community turned out to mark it.
The Environment Southland Community Awards recognised individuals, schools, businesses, farmers and community organisations working to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment.
Fisherman, conservationist and community leader Pete Young took out the Guardians Tohu Pou Award — one not presented every year — for his dedicated service to the preservation and protection of the Fiordland marine area over the past 30 years.
This year's ceremony also included Te Tohu Kahika o the natural environment Award for the first time. The award draws its name from the kahikatea tree, traditionally seen as an anchoring pillar in the environment. Its strength comes not only from the tree itself, but from its network of roots, providing enduring support and protection to those around it. Jenny Campbell received it for supporting, encouraging and championing people involved in environmental projects across Southland for many years, making sure their work and stories are recognised through the awards.
Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust earned the 2026 Councillors' Award for its efforts to protect northern Southland's high country from the spread of wilding pines.
Environment Southland councillors and awards judges Maurice Rodway and Ewen Mathieson said the standard of entries was once again incredibly high.
"These awards recognise people who quietly get on with the job of caring for the environment. The commitment, energy and perseverance shown by this year's winners was truly impressive," Cr Rodway said.
"Whether they were restoring habitats, protecting wildlife or bringing communities together through environmental projects, every nominee was making a real difference.
"Their ability to inspire others and build support for environmental action is a key part of their success."
Cr Mathieson said Southland is fortunate to have people who care so deeply about the places they live.
"They don't do this work for awards or recognition. But it's important we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the people who are making a positive difference to our environment and our communities."
More information and videos of the finalists are available on the Environment Southland website.
2026 Environment Southland Community Awards winners:
- Te Tohu Kahika o the natural environment Award — Winner: Jenny Campbell
- Emerging Environmental Action (sponsored by Southern Land & Water Planning) — Winner: Riversdale Community Garden; Highly Commended: Southern Environmental Working Group
- Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity (sponsored by Invercargill Licensing Trust) — Winner: Paws for Conservation; Highly Commended: Hollyford Conservation Trust
- Environmental Action in Education (sponsored by Fonterra) — Winner: Thornbury School
- Environmental Action in the Community (sponsored by Real NZ) — Winner: South Coast Environment Society; Highly Commended: Kiwi Harvest
- Environmental Action in Wetlands and Waterways (sponsored by Southland Fish & Game) — Winner: Edendale Aquifer Group; Highly Commended: Hokonui Rūnanga Initiative Natural environment
- Environmental Leadership and Innovation in Business (sponsored by Milford Sound Tourism) — Winner: Bluff Distillery; Highly Commended: Toni and Rob Auld, Boohai Wetland
- Environmental Leadership in Farming (sponsored by Wynn Williams) — Winner: Mararoa Station, managed by Pāmu Landcorp Farming Ltd; Highly Commended: Mangapiri Downs Organic Stud Farm
- Individual Environmental Leadership or Action (sponsored by ANZ) — Winner: Glenda Rees; Highly Commended: Robyn Guyton
- Councillors' Award (sponsored by Environment Southland councillors) — Winner: Mid Dome Wilding Trees Charitable Trust
- Guardians Tohu Pou Award — Winner: Pete Young