Orokonui impresses judges

Keep Dunedin Beautiful chairwoman Jan Tucker (left) and awards co-ordinator Darlene Thomson (centre) present the category A visitor attraction award to Orokonui Ecosanctuary general manager Chris Baillie on Tuesday. Photo by Craig Baxter.

Larnach Castle and Orokonui Ecosanctuary have been presented with the inaugural Keep Dunedin Beautiful visitor attraction awards.

The judging panel of i-Site team leader Louise Van De Vlierd, Dunedin City Council waste contractor Peter Moroney and Keep Dunedin Beautiful co-ordinator Darlene Thomson visited the businesses on November 20 and assessed them on the impression they made on visitors.

''This included how visually appealing any buildings, gardens, car parks, walkways and window displays were from the outside and at any reception area,'' Mrs. Thomson said this week.

''We were also very keen to see how their rubbish and recycling facilities were done and their availability to the public.''

The category A award, for under 50,000 visitors during 2011, was presented to Orokonui Ecosanctuary.

''The judges felt that for such a new attraction they had an awful lot to offer.

''We were particularly impressed with their almost 'no waste to landfill' policy and the fact every part of the attraction was in keeping with the ecology of the attraction, from flax sugar-holders to recycled macrocarpa tables and benches.''

The runner-up was Lady Thorn Dell.

The category B award, for over 50,000 visitors during 2011, was presented to Larnach Castle, which the panel described as ''immaculate''.

Fletcher House and Careys Bay Historic Hotel were shortlisted in the category B award.

Nigel.benson@odt.co.nz