Central Hawke's Bay Forest & Bird wins conservation award

CHB Forest & Bird member Peter Meredith checking one of the predator traps at Lindsay Bush in Waipukurau. Photo/File

Central Hawke's Bay Forest & Bird has received an award for its conservation and advocacy work.

Forest & Bird presented the CHB team with a branch award during the national body's annual conference in Wellington on Saturday night.

Forest & Bird Lower North Island conservation and volunteer regional manager Amelia Geary said the branch was given the award for its outstanding conservation and advocacy work, especially in its "staunch defence of nature in the face of plans to develop the environmentally damaging Ruataniwha dam and irrigation scheme".

"Central Hawke's Bay branch is one of our smallest yet most effective branches," she said.

"They truly punch above their weight in terms of environmental advocacy locally, regionally and nationally."

The branch members have been involved in the dam issue since the first stakeholder meetings were held in 2010 and worked with the Hastings-Havelock North branch to highlight the threats to water quality in the Tukituki river catchment, Ms Geary said.

They also worked with Forest & Bird nationally to highlight the implications countrywide of the Department of Conservation's plans to downgrade the conservation status of land to be flooded for the Ruataniwha dam.

The branch led a letter-writing campaign to local newspapers, held public meetings, challenged pro-dam regional councillors and formed links with other concerned groups and politicians to put the case for the environment.

CHB branch co-chair Grenville Christie said he was honoured to receive the award because it recognised the branch's willingness to stick their heads above the parapet.

"It's also an endorsement of the approach we've taken, which is not only doing practical protection and enhancement work but also advocacy and being involved in wider environmental issues."

Co-chair Louise Phillips said the award would be welcomed by members "who have put in a lot of work, such as writing submissions and getting involved in the local political process".

The branch has also been undertaking conservation work such as controlling pests and weeds at Otaia/Lindsay Bush Scenic Reserve near Waipukurau with the support of Scouts and the local community.

Volunteers have now started planting in these open spaces once covered in ivy and other weeds.

Branch members are also involved in work to monitor and protect the population of rare Australasian bitterns at Lake Whatuma, whio (blue duck) protection in the Ruahine Ranges and ensuring the safety of river bird nesting sites.

Ms Geary said the active advocacy and practical conservation work have gained the branch new members and supporters in recent years.

"These activities in the district ensure Forest & Bird is seen as not only an environmental watchdog but also a group of people that is hands-on when it comes to protecting the environment they love."

Two branch awards were announced at the ceremony, with South Otago being the other recipient.