Composting programme wins top environmental award
CBEC Ecosolutions Community Compost Connection Programme took out the supreme winner trophy at the awards that recognise those making a difference for Northland's environment.
A composting programme that educates the community and reduces waste going to landfill was named Te Tohu Matua - Supreme Winner of Northland Regional Council’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao - Environmental Awards on Friday 21 July.
The awards recognise those making a difference for Northland’s environment and named the CBEC Ecosolutions Community Compost Connection Programme the supreme winner. The community enterprise also won the ‘environmental action in the community’ category.
EcoSolutions was started 17 years ago by Community Business and Environment Centre (CBEC). CBEC is contracted by Far North District Council to provide waste minimisation advice and support to schools, businesses and community groups. It received funding from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa community board for its recycling programme at Waitangi Day celebrations where it has diverted 90 per cent of event waste away from landfill.
Judges of the Supreme Award said CBEC EcoSolutions had demonstrated a strong ongoing commitment to reducing waste in Northland through their Community Compost Connection Programme. The judges also noted that CBEC is producing on-the-ground solutions that engage communities and should be celebrated. Going beyond waste management to support local communities and businesses, creating jobs, and providing education training also got a mention from the judges.
Most category winners received a prize package of $1000 cash, a handcrafted trophy designed by local artist, and a professional project promotional video and photography package.
The awards are in their fifth year. The other winners on the night were:
- Environmental action to protect native life; Aki Tai Here
- Environmental action in education; Kerikeri Kindergarten
- Environmental action in water quality improvement; Nga Tangariki o Ngati Hine - Te Papa Pa Orooro
- Environmental leadership; Jaycee Tipene-Thomas
- Youth environmental leader; Noah Edwards
- Kaitiakitanga; Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust
- Kiwi Coast Outstanding group or project award; Tutukaka Landcare Coalition
Main photo - Te Tohu Matua - Supreme Award winners, CBEC EcoSolutions with Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime who presented the award, far right.
Photo credit - Dawn Dutton Photography