Ecology in Action Award

Please email nomination materials to the awards convenor (Margaret Stanley, mc.stanley@auckland.ac.nz) by 31 July 2026.

Aims of the award

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 Aotearoa New Zealand 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.

Award

Recipients of the award are:

• awarded complimentary registration for the next Te Aka Toro | New Zealand Ecological Society conference, and support towards associated travel and accommodation costs to attend - normally up to $1500 at the discretion of the council;
• invited to give a plenary talk at the next annual Te Aka Toro | New Zealand Ecological Society conference;
• highlighted in Te Aka Toro | New Zealand Ecological Society newsletter and given profile via a media release announcing the award.

Eligibility

Open to members and non-members. Previous recipients of this award are not eligible to apply again.  Nominations may be held for three years from submission for consideration or may be updated annually by way of re-submission.

Nominations

Please email nomination materials to the awards convenor (Margaret Stanley, mc.stanley@auckland.ac.nz) by 31 July 2026. Nominations can be made by the nominee or an independent nominator and must include a 1) the nomination form; 2) a CV; and 3) two letters of support. 

Nomination form for download.

Nominations (as detailed in the form) must include: 1) a summary of contributions to the practice and application of ecology in Aotearoa New Zealand (and/or its dependencies) or the Pacific; and 2) evidence of outstanding application of ecological knowledge.

Selection

The selection panel shall consist of current elected council members of Te Aka Toro | 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. The nominated committee reserves the right not to allocate grants in any given year.

Past Recipients Ecology in Action Award

Cameos of past recipients can be viewed here.