Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Bruce Banks Environmental Education Award

 

Applications for Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust, Bruce Banks Environmental Education Award are now open.

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The Award is offered annually to any primary or secondary student or school who/which aims to further native biodiversity in the Waimakariri District.

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The purpose of the award is to support a new initiative rather than reward a project that has been completed.

 

The application form can be downloaded at the bottom of this page and APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY  5PM, 28th FEBRUARY  2020

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Winners will be notified in MARCH 2020 and presentations will be held at the Trusts APRIL 2020 meeting .

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Background

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Bruce Banks was a Trust volunteer who helped establish our animal pest control programme. Bruce also established and ran the Tutaepatu Lagoon western trap line for a number of years.  

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This work has been a significant factor in the return of a number of native bird species at the lagoon including Kotuku and Crested Grebe. It is also a factor in the Department of Conservation currently considering the establishment of a Kaki Black Stilt release programme for the Ashley Rakahuri and Tuhaitara Coastal Park and; a possible release of Patiki Brown Teal at Tutaepatu Lagoon.

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Bruce was also a school teacher and principal in the Waimakariri and a volunteer for many other environmental groups in the Waimakariri district.

 

Bruce passed away after a long period of illness. Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara wanted to recognise Bruce’s contribution to the work of the Trust and his career in education, so established this annual environmental education award.

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