2025 Award winners

Te Tohu Matua Supreme Award

This award was presented for the most outstanding achievement.

» Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri - Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao Team

The Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao team, through Te Runanga Nui O Te Aupouri's holistic approach, has achieved remarkable conservation outcomes. Their efforts include restoring native flora and fauna, enhancing wetlands and dune ecosystems, and fostering environmental awareness. They have installed more than 16,000 metres of fencing, planted 120,000 native plants, and captured over 2000 invasive pests. These achievements significantly contribute to the well-being of te taiao and strengthen connections between iwi and their whenua. The project exemplifies sustainable land management and community engagement in Te Taitokerau.  

Environmental action in the community

This award recognises individuals or groups who are working collaboratively within their community to protect and improve Northland’s environment.

» Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust

Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust has demonstrated exceptional community engagement and dedication in tackling invasive weeds across a vast geographic area. Their passion and commitment to restoring native habitats within the 10,000 ha of Whangārei Heads-High Value Area is evident through their strong relationships with hapū and iwi, and their well-recorded measurable outcomes. Founded in 2014, the Trust's vision is supported by six volunteer groups and the Strategic Weed Action Team. Increased community awareness has empowered residents to become proactive weed warriors, and additional funding has expanded their scope to work on culturally significant reserves.  

Highly commended

• Bream Head Conservation Trust Reserve Revegetation  

For remarkable perseverance and impressive results with an outstanding number of trees planted and volunteer hours recorded.  

Highly commended

• Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi 

For a project where tamariki involvement shines, and strong community engagement that supports diverse environmental initiatives.

Highly commended

• Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga 

For impressive efforts spanning the vast Hokianga Harbour with extensive tree planting and fencing, and exceptional community engagement.

Environmental action to protect native life

This award recognises individuals or groups who are working to control pest animals, pest plants, and/or diseases to help our native life flourish.  

» Project Island Song

This project has had a clear and lasting impact, with 15 years of pest-free status and 40,000 native trees planted. Their long-term commitment to restoring biodiversity in Pewhairangi Bay of Islands is remarkable. The group’s mahi supports native species by tackling pests, controlling weeds, and working to return lost wildlife. They collaborate with hapū, schools, families, individuals, and businesses, creating strong community partnerships. Their work with small, isolated schools is especially inspiring. With great measurable outcomes, this group is making a real difference for native life.

Highly commended

• Jill Mortensen

For remarkable dedication to protecting a high-value area of ngahere over 14 years, with impressive trapping and record-keeping efforts.

Highly commended

• Piroa Conservation Trust

For impressive leadership and relationship-building within their community, enabling effective predator control and significantly enhanced biodiversity across 23,000 hectares. 

Highly commended

• Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust

For delivering results in biodiversity and community engagement with a challenging pest plant control project working over 10,000 hectares of high-value forest. 

Environmental action in education

This award recognises those in the education sector that are driving learning and action to bring about change on environmental issues. The award is specific to schools, kura kaupapa Māori, early childhood centres or tertiary institutions, and can include the whole school, groups or individuals.

» Bay of Islands International Academy

Bay of Islands International Academy demonstrated an outstanding holistic approach, involving all levels and curriculum areas across the school and throughout their local community and hapū. They have successfully woven te ao Māori and sustainability throughout their mahi. Students have been empowered to take ownership of environmental change and a multi-generational approach has been implemented, with older students mentoring younger, and kaumatua enabled as expert helpers.  Environmental kaupapa is an integral part of their ethos, nurturing future leaders in this space, and ensuring the impact will continue to be felt in future years. 

Highly commended

• Hurupaki School

For a wetland restoration project that’s fostering true collaboration between the school and community.

Highly commended

• Te Kura o Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura

For a kura empowering students through hands-on environmental learning and benefitting their community with their mahi through their māra kai. 

Highly commended

• Whangārei Girls High School

For a collaborative approach that fosters a deep sense of environmental stewardship in their students.

Environmental action in water quality improvement

This award recognises individuals or groups who are taking action to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values within water bodies in Northland.

» Piroa Conservation Trust

Piroa Conservation Trust comprises over 30 community-led conservation groups dedicated to restoring biodiversity in Bream Bay and surrounding areas. Since adding ‘Healthy Waterways’ to its vision in 2021, the Trust has delivered an impressive scope of initiatives with high community engagement. Their projects include riparian planting, water quality testing, wetland restoration, fencing, on-farm demonstrations, capability building, a native plant nursery, field days and community hui. Their strong relationships with iwi, hapū, and community groups, along with educational outreach and social media engagement, have raised awareness about water quality. They are also collaborating with Patuherekeke to incorporate mātauranga Māori into freshwater and biodiversity management. 

Highly commended

• Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga

For an active water quality improvement project delivering measurable outcomes, effective partnerships, and high community engagement.  

Environmental action in Business

This award recognises businesses (individual or a collective) that show a commitment to the sustainable use of natural resources and/or protection of native ecosystems.

» Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland

Tū Mai Rā Energy is a Māori-owned solar power company that is dedicated to benefiting the community in an environmentally sustainable way. Their forward-thinking business model not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves climate resilience and community resilience to natural hazards, benefiting many people, especially communities in remote areas. The company has equipped numerous marae with solar panels and battery back-up, and it is now doing the same for 40 homes in Te Kao. Tū Mai Rā Energy also provides employment and upskilling opportunities for locals, bringing more benefits to the community. 

Environmental leadership

This award recognises an individual or group whose leadership, support of others and willingness to share ideas and resources is making a significant contribution to Northland's environment.

» Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

The Trust demonstrates exceptional leadership in freshwater and marine ecosystem restoration, with a strong focus on the vital connections between them. Their īnanga spawning program has significantly enhanced biodiversity across Te Taitokerau, while fostering deep, sustained community engagement. Their commitment to education, cross-community development, and active partnerships with iwi, hapū, and schools has created a powerful, inclusive model of environmental stewardship. Through high levels of volunteering and knowledge-sharing, they are inspiring and upskilling communities across the region. Their mahi exemplifies the impact of collaborative action and sets a benchmark for ecological restoration and community-led conservation. 

Highly commended

• The Love Bittern Project

For dedication to the matuku and commitment to biodiversity outcomes, passionately delivered by an outstanding leader who inspires action. 

Youth environmental leader

This award recognises a young individual or group, aged 12 - 24, whose leadership, support of others and willingness to share ideas is making a significant contribution to Northland’s environment.

» Earth Buddies

Earth Buddies is an inspirational youth-led initiative from Whangārei Girls’ High School, where 25 dedicated students deliver bi-weekly environmental education to over 150 students at Whangārei Primary School. Covering topics like composting, climate change, and pest management, the programme fosters environmental awareness and critical thinking in younger students while deepening the knowledge and leadership skills of the secondary students. Extending beyond the classroom, Earth Buddies engages families and caregivers, encouraging sustainable practices at home. This inspiring model of peer-to-peer education is making a lasting impact in Whangārei and offers a blueprint for youth environmental leadership to communities nationwide. 

Highly commended

• Roman Makara – Taiao Club

For a true environmental leader, with a deep commitment to te taio, who shares his knowledge through his Taiao Club.

Highly commended

• India Clarke

For an inspiring mentor who leads by example and empowers her peers to take environmental action.

Environmental action to address climate change

This award recognises individuals or groups who are taking action to adapt to a changing climate and transition to a low-carbon future for Northland. 

» Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust - Te Pou Taiao

Te Pou Taiao o Patuharakake are leaders in supporting communities, whānau and marae to make informed decisions about climate change. They have developed an innovative climate change risk assessment toolbox to visually illustrate the risks to Patuharekeke rohe. The toolbox will be used to inform the Patuharakeke Hapū Environmental Management Plan, incorporating mātauranga Māori and western science within mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies. Seamlessly integrating climate change considerations into all their activities, they are also leading impactful projects to benefit te taiao, including fish passage, fencing and planting Takahiwai Stream, Mediterranean fanworm removal, and a two-year survey of marine mammals in Bream Bay.  

Highly commended

• Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland 

For a forward-thinking business model that is improving community resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and providing reliable eco-friendly power solutions. 

Kaitiakitanga

This award recognises the unique relationship tangata whenua have with natural and physical resources in accordance with tikanga Māori, and is open to whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations. 

» Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri - Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao Team

The Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao team, through Te Runanga Nui O Te Aupouri's holistic approach, has achieved remarkable conservation outcomes. Their efforts include restoring native flora and fauna, enhancing wetlands and dune ecosystems, and fostering environmental awareness. They have installed more than 16,000 metres of fencing, planted 120,000 native plants, and captured over 2000 invasive pests. These achievements significantly contribute to the well-being of te taiao and strengthen connections between iwi and their whenua. The project exemplifies sustainable land management and community engagement in Te Taitokerau.

Highly commended

• Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi

For developing future environmental leaders and serving as a successful model to other hapū and communities. 

Highly commended

• Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Wai Māori

For a passionate and inspiring collective that has been working to protect tuna in the Hikurangi Swamp for 13 years. 

Highly commended

• Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust - Te Pou Taiao

For impactful work that is enhancing the mauri of taonga tuku iho – treasures passed down – in the marine and freshwater environments. 

Kiwi Coast Special Award

This award recognises high achieving Northland groups or projects who have proven their commitment to restoring the health of their local native forests and wildlife, including kiwi.

» Piroa Conservation Trust

Piroa Conservation Trust exemplifies collaborative conservation in action. With strong governance and a visionary approach, the Trust unites hapū, schools, community members, DoC, businesses, and volunteers to protect and restore biodiversity in southern Te Taitokerau. Their inclusive model fosters deep community engagement and shared responsibility for the environment. Focused on expanding pest control and preserving native habitat, their work is vital to the long-term survival of kiwi in Northland. This forward-thinking group is not only safeguarding taonga species but also building a resilient, connected conservation network that will benefit generations to come. 

Highly commended

• Project Island Song

For a community-led initiative that enhances biodiversity and strengthens cultural ties, whilst safeguarding taonga species from extinction.