Cawthron Institute, New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation delivering world-class freshwater and marine research, is calling for nominations of individuals and communities who are helping restore and protect the health of our freshwater.

Cawthron Institute, New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation delivering world-class freshwater and marine research, is calling for nominations of individuals and communities who are helping restore and protect the health of our freshwater.

The winners will be crowned at the inaugural Freshwater Champions event to be held in May 2024, which replaces the biannual Cawthron New Zealand River Awards that has been celebrating freshwater efforts by groups and individuals since 2013.

This new Freshwater Champions event aims to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater health, recognise and celebrate those who have contributed to improving the state of our rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries, and share actions being taken by others.

“There are many people who are passionate about the health of freshwater and who are making a difference via their actions,” said Dr Roger Young, Manager Freshwater Ecosystems and Freshwater Champions assessor.

“We encourage people to think about their local Freshwater champions – both individuals and groups – and put forward a nomination for consideration. This is a way of saying thanks for all the hard work people are doing”.  

Dr Young said the Freshwater Champions Assessment Panel was particularly interested in hearing about projects where an individual or community has made efforts to improve freshwater health, with positive progress recorded.

“This event is all about recognising some of those people who have gone unacknowledged, or communities whose stories haven’t been told. Please help Cawthron to celebrate the champions in your local community.”

“Water is important to everyone and we must work together to better manage this critical taonga. Anyone can make a nomination by completing the nomination form.”

The celebratory event will be held in Wellington in May 2024 to celebrate the successes, innovations and efforts of people working to restore New Zealand’s freshwater, as well as demonstrate thought leadership and impactful capabilities in freshwater science.

Cawthron is proud to deliver an event that will see iwi, landowners, businesses, community volunteers, central and local government celebrate freshwater restoration efforts and explore the latest science about freshwater ecology and restoration solutions.

To find out more about the Freshwater Champions event, nomination process and criteria, visit www.cawthron.org.nz/freshwater-champions-aotearoa

Nominations are open until 31 October 2023.