Nominations now open

If you're an environmental enthusiast in your business, on your farm or working on a special project, then the Southland Community Environment Awards are your opportunity to shine.

Nominations are now open for the annual awards which recognise achievements of special significance that benefit Southland's environment. Judges are looking for people and projects that enhance, protect and showcase Southland's environment, says judge, Graham Sevicke-Jones, director of science and information at Environment Southland.

Every year the judges are impressed by the calibre and variety of entries, and this is a great opportunity to acknowledge the effort people put in to looking after and nurturing the amazing natural environment we have in Southland. It might be through an educational project, sustainable practice or innovative thinking that makes a difference. If you're one of them, we want to hear from you.

Seven different award categories cater for all kinds of environmental projects and activities. The categories are individual, farming, school, community group, commercial, innovator and achiever. The same project can be nominated in up to two categories.

Projects entered must be either located in Southland, have been developed in Southland or be of demonstrated benefit to the region. People can nominate their own project or another project that makes a positive contribution to the environment.

Winning entries receive sponsored prizes that include cash, travel, native plants or financial services.

This is the 23rd year the awards have been held and the 2018 winners will be announced at a celebration night to be held in Invercargill in early November.

Award nominations close on 17 August. More information can be found on the Environment Southland website www.es.govt.nz/envawards18

Nominations can be made online at: http://www.surveymoz.com/s/B38Q5/