Canterbury Resource Management Awards 2008

The aim of the Canterbury Resource Management Awards is to promote sustainable management of natural and man-made (for example: roads, bridges and ports) resources in the Canterbury region by recognising and rewarding activities that maintain resources for future generations.

These awards are held in every even-numbered year. Entries for the 2008 Awards closed on Friday 15th August 2008.

What are the awards?

Read the information below for an overview of award categories and answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  For more information, find out about the 2006 winners and read about environmental issues in Canterbury which are likely to grab the attention of the awards judges.

Award Categories

1. Community - projects being carried out by community groups.
2. Commercial / Industrial - projects being carried out by commercial or industrial organisations. For the purpose of the awards this category also includes schools.
3. Professional / Institutional - projects being carried out by professional groups (professional bodies and societies, research organisations, local authorities, government departments or professional groups with resource management responsibilities or expertise).
4. Individual - projects being carried out by a single person.

Special Awards

• Environment Canterbury Special Award for Environmental Journalism
• Landcare Research  Special Award for Sustainable Management of Land Resources
• Canterbury Resource Management Award for Schools
• Future Environmentalist Award
• Te Mata o te Tuatara - Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu  Special Heritage Award
• SBN (Sustainable Business Network)   'Get Sustainable' Challenge. Special Award for businesses
• NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research)
• EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) 

Frequently Asked Questions

When do entries close?
5 pm Friday August 15th 2008.

How do I enter?
We will post you out an entry form or you can enter on-line or print out the entry form, then fill it in and post it to: The Awards Administrator, PO Box 345, Christchurch or phone [03] 353-9735 or 0800 EC INFO [0800 324 636].

Which category should I enter?
The one which most suits your project.  If you are not in an appropriate category a representative will phone you and suggest another category.

I have entered the awards in past years - can I enter again?
Yes definitely especially if your project has advanced since last time. However, if the same project which you want to enter was a major category winner in the last round, we request that you 'skip' this round.

Who is eligible?
Any project which contributes in any way to sustainably managing resources in the Canterbury region.

When will the results be announced?
The winners will be announced at a mid-day function on Wednesday October 29th 2008.

Does it cost anything to enter?
No.

What is the prize?
The prizes are in the form of trophies. They have no monetary value.  Some special awards have a monetary value in the form of cash or professional services. The main advantage of being a winner is that you are able to include the award citation on your publicity material.

I am a farmer - should I enter?
Yes farmers are welcome to enter the most appropriate category for their farm. This is most likely to be individual but could also be any of the others.  You are most likely to be eligible for the Ballance Farm Environment Award. Entries for these awards open early in September every year.

Is there an award for Heritage Projects?
Yes "Te Mata o te Tuatara - The Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Special Heritage Award aims to acknowledge those involved in protecting, restoring, enhancing or developing aspects of the unique cultural heritage of Ka Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha me Te Pataka o Rakaihautu/Canterbury and Banks Peninsula. Projects working with historically significant sites, species, artforms/artifacts, traditions, customs and the built environment (including buildings and museums) are all eligible and should apply.  The award is a celebration of all aspects of cultural heritage in the Canterbury Region". To be considered for this award the entry must be made in one of the four main categories.

My project is still being developed. Should I still enter it?
A general guide is whether you can demonstrate that your project is, or will soon be, sustainable. If in doubt you should still enter. The judges will advise you whether your entry is appropriate and help you with advice on further development.

Can schools enter?
Yes, schools are eligible for the Commercial/Industrial category.

How will the entries be judged?
A detailed assessment of all entries will be made by assessors who will contact each applicant to arrange a visit.

How much of my time will it involve?
We want to keep your time to a minimum. You will need to take time to fill in the entry form. The more details you provide the more time you are likely to spend. If you find you are spending too much time on your entry, please phone and we will try our best to help you fill in the form.

Can I nominate someone else?
Yes or you can suggest they nominate themselves.

Can I nominate more than one project?
Yes as many as you wish.

Can I nominate myself?
Yes.

Who will do the judging?
The four category winners and overall winner will be selected by a panel of judges appointed by Environment Canterbury, Landcare Research  (an independent Crown Research Institute) and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. The four judges represent iwi, business and industry, the community, and the professional sector.

Are the entries confidential?
Environment Canterbury wishes to give due recognition to the winners and all entrants must be prepared to allow their entries to be publicised. Please clearly indicate any highly confidential information that should not be publicised.

What is sustainable management?
Managing Canterbury's natural and man-made resources for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. Man-made resources include, for example: roads, bridges and ports.

Examples of Resource Management Issues in Canterbury

• reducing soil erosion
• rehabilitating contaminated sites
• restoring wetland areas
• improving water quality
• encouraging efficient use of water
• managing conflicts about access to rivers and lakes
• encouraging conservation of rare animals and plants
• managing conflicts between recreational activities and amenity values
• developing energy efficient housing
• reducing discharges of contaminants into the air
• developing energy efficient forms of transport
• reducing waste

2006 Winners
Read about the 2006 winners