Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust Chair and others awarded for environmental contributions in the District.

We are thrilled to share the news that our very own, Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust Chair - Judith Roper-Lindsay, was amongst the recipients of the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee Environmental Awards this year for her long serving contributions to ecological restoration in the Waimakariri District.

For over 40 years Judith was a professional ecologist, which included working on local projects such as Pegasus Town wetlands restoration and having input into conservation aspects of early District Plans.

Following Judith’s retirement, she served on the Waimakariri Zone Committee for 9 years. During this time she supported the Committee’s moves to raise community awareness of the importance of native biodiversity, and help individuals, groups and communities protect as well as get involved in habitat restoration and creation.

As Chair of the Trust Judith helped develop a vision that aims to see vibrant, healthy indigenous ecosystems valued across the Waimakariri District.

Alongside Judith, other local environmental champions in our District were recognised for their efforts including:

Miles and Gillian Giller - Awarded an Individual Award for their long serving contributions to the natural environment, from the establishment of their own ‘wild’ native garden, to setting up Broadleaf Nursery and for their involvement in district environmental advocacy.

Both have been active members of Canterbury Botanical Society, and for 23 years Miles worked as QEII regional representative, providing the opportunity to assist numerous Canterbury landowners in protecting native habitats.

West Eyreton School - Awarded the Youth Award for their conservation efforts at Bennett’s Stream Diversion in West Eyreton where students, alongside Dan Cameron, planted around 250 native seedlings, which they grew from seed themselves to improve the habitat for a newly discovered pocket of Canterbury Mudfish found at the site.

Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group - Awarded the Group Award for their tireless efforts to protect our unique river birds that nest on the Ashley Rakahuri River as one of the longest standing conservation groups in the Waimakariri District. Members of the group volunteer their time to understand threats to the birds and the group develops methods to address these threats by the monitoring of bird and predator populations. This year’s annual bird count will be the 25th since the group’s inception. Education and advocacy are also a key part of the group’s work.