Old Blue Awards for 1999

Forest and Bird, Issue 293, 1 August 1999, Page 44

Old Blue Awards for 1999

he Society’s 1999 awards recognising services to conservation were presented at the annual general meeting of Forest and Bird at Wellington in June. The recipients were: Ron. D. Greenwood (Wellington). In recognition of his exceptional generosity in helping fund many important conservation projects undertaken by Forest and Bird branches, and for his enthusiasm and keen interest in the protection of nature. The Ron D. and E.A. Greenwood Environmental Trust devotes the major share of its cash resources directly to activities at Forest and Bird branch level. In recent times this has included: purchase of trees to plant; purchase of land for a native tree reserve; stimulation of interest in marine area preservation; preservation of native forest; information signs; water treatment units; acquisition of wetlands; tools used in a planting

project; boat-fares for volunteers to a replanting site; protection of a marine reserve; identification signs on a walkway; conversion of a bog to a planted area; preservation of penguins; education of school pupils; potting mix, tools and planter bags; restoration of bush areas; construction of shade houses; underwater surveys for a marine reserve; and measures to reduce possum populations. Michael Winch (Far North). Recognising his dedication for conservation over the past decade in a remote and important part of New Zealand, and particularly his advocacy for nature on general conservation issues and through Resource Management forums. Michael is the chair of the Far North Branch and has devoted virtually all his spare time to Forest and Bird for many years. Most significantly, he has ‘battled’ in an area that is sometimes hostile to conservation. Jenny Treloar (Te Puke). For her

outstanding contribution to the Te Puke Kiwi Conservation Club and her inspiration to countless children, encouraging them to learn and care for natural New Zealand, and also for leadership in branch activities for many years. Jenny Treloar has been the leader of Te Puke KCC since its inception and has led dozens of trips, organised camps and evening meetings. Her teaching skills are reflected in the games she devised to teach children to be observant and know the names of native plants and animals. She has been on the Te Puke branch committee since the branch began and was chairman for several years. A farmer’s wife, she is a role model of Forest and Bird in the rural sector. Don Chapple (Hauraki Islands). For his ‘extraordinary commitment’ to conservation on Waiheke Island, in particular the extensive revegetation programmes, and work with school groups, the Conservation Corps, community service workers, Task Force Green and in community education. His latest, most ambitious project, now five years on, is revegetating a 16-hectare area of hillside donated to Forest and Bird. At age 69, he works for at least five days a week on this self-imposed task and cycles to and from ‘work’ every day with a packed lunch and a thermos of tea. Graham Falla (South Auckland). In recognition of a ‘sterling voluntary effort’ for Forest and Bird over 25 years, and an ongoing commitment to the protection and restoration of New Zealand’s natural heritage, and for planting

projects using eco-sourced seedlings. Graham Falla was on the inaugural South Auckland branch committee, has been the chair and is still a member of the committee. He has led many revegetation projects, including Totara Park, Olive Davis Reserve, Clevedon Polo Grounds and Maketu Pa. Christine and Brian Rance (Southland). Recognising their exceptional work as botanist and horticulturalist and their dedication to the conservation of New Zealand plants, including the ‘modern Noah’s Ark’, a threatened plant garden which propagates plants for native plant restoration. (See Conservation Briefs, page 10). Brian is a botanist and Christine a horticulturalist both working for the Department of Conservation. Brian has to his credit the discovery of three entities — subalpine herbs — formerly not named or described; Christine has interests in Otatara Landcare, Te Rere, Riverton Estuary Care, Southcoast Environment Centre and Women in Conservation.