Ecology in Action Award

Nominations for the Ecology in Action award for 2023 have closed.

The Ecology in Action award reflects one of the primary aims of the society: the promotion of the study of ecology and the application of ecological knowledge in all its aspects. This award was established to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the application of ecological knowledge, including communication, education and transfer of ecological science at the grass roots in NZ or the Pacific. The Society would like to recognise such individuals’ achievements in promoting ecology and education, with landowners, community groups, politicians, councils and others. The society recognises the important role of the transfer of ecological knowledge in changing behaviours and achieving practical protection and restoration of biodiversity.

Recipients of the award are invited to give a plenary talk at the next annual NZ Ecological Society Conference. The Society awards recipients complimentary registration for this conference, and support towards associated travel and accommodation costs to attend - normally up to $1000 at the discretion of the council.  The work can also be given profile via a media item, or highlighted in the NZ Ecological Society newsletter.

Nominations can be made by the nominee or an independent nominator and must include a detailed statement of support outlining the nominee’s outstanding contributions to the practice and application of ecology. Nominations should provide specific evidence for each achievement. Evidence for outstanding application of ecological knowledge may include, but is not limited to, applied ecological breakthroughs, development of innovative new techniques, significant uptake or application of knowledge or new techniques by others, changing the way we do things and transfer of ecological knowledge to others including community groups, regulatory agencies and landowners. Nominations may include letters of support from others. Nominations will be held for three years from submission for consideration, and may be updated annually by way of re-submission.  Awardees can only obtain the award once.

Selection

The selection panel shall consist of current elected council members of the New Zealand Ecological Society. Where deemed appropriate the council may co-opt ex-officio members of the council on to the selection panel, and/or delegate a sub-committee to oversee selection. At the discretion of the nominated committee no award may be made in any given year.  

Past Recipients Ecology in Action Award

Cameos of past recipients can be viewed here.

YEAR
AWARDED
RECIPIENT
2023

Sandra Anderson (University of Auckland)

2022

 

Not presented.

2021

Araceli Samaniego Herrera (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research)

2020

Karen Pratt (Project Reef - South Taranaki)

2019

Laura Young (Kea Conservation Trust)

2018

Susan Walker (Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research)

2017

Richelle Kahui McConnell

2016

Chris Green (Department of Conservation)

2015

Laura Molles (Lincoln University)

2014

Kevin Parker (Parker Conservation)

2013

Not presented

2012

John Ogden (Great Barrier Island Charitable Trust)

2011

John Sawyer (Auckland Council)

2010

Marieke Lettink (Fauna Finders, Christchurch)

2009

Mike Joy (Massey University)

2008

Henrik Moller (University of Otago)

2007

Frances Schmechel (Environment Canterbury)

2006

Colin Meurk (Landcare Research)

2005

Karen Denyer (Waikato Regional Council)