Councillors' Special Award

Mataura Valley Milk’s ‘Project Recharge’ led by Scott Waddell is a New Zealand, and possibly a world first, where the business is tackling the ambitious goal of converting the plant to full electrification. Before deciding on the high-pressure electric boiler the plant is running with, there was a large amount of research done into alternative options, but for Mataura Valley Milk it was simple – it’s about the big picture and achieving their own goals. Summed up by Scott, “it’s better for the environment – it’s better for everyone.”

The high-pressure electric boiler will replace the current coal-fired boiler, removing the plant’s reliance on lignite coal and reducing carbon emissions by approximately 22,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per annum. The judges commented that Mataura Valley Milk was leading the way in the climate change space with ‘Project Recharge’ being, “the most significant thing happening nationwide in the climate change space at the moment.

They have taken some big risks but are doing the right thing environmentally, despite the costs and are an example of industry stepping up and making a significant change.”