Pride of NZ Awards: Ian Price

Ian Price carries guilt over the damage farming does to the environment, which is why he restored a section of alluvial forest northeast of Nelson so thoroughly that it’s returning to its pristine pre-human state. Mr Price, 56 began work on Paremata Flats four years ago after helping to restore Motutapu* and Motuora* Islands, as well as witnessing the ark that Tiritiri Matangi has become. “I don’t feel like I own Paremata Flats,” Mr Price said. “Someone asked me the other day if I’m proud – actually it’s about an inner peace. It’s about the damage I’ve done in the past. Now I’m giving back. “Any project needs someone to lead it. I have the drive and the commitment … From a personal point of view, it’s a unique ecology we’re working with and that’s why it’s important to restore it. Farming was about draining swamps to make money. It wasn’t until latter years til I looked back at damage I did to the natural environment. It is now time for me to give something back.”