Environment award for sanctuary work

Expanding Fiordland tourism operator Southern Discoveries has won a coveted Southland Environment Award for its work in a sanctuary for endangered and native species.

Southern Discoveries won the corporate category, sponsored by Landcorp. The prize will go towards continued work in Milford Sound.

The award was made at a gala presentation attended by more than 300 people in Invercargill on Wednesday night.

Southern Discoveries was nominated for the corporate award for its role in helping to preserve wildlife at Sinbad Gully, at the base of Mitre Peak.

The Sinbad Gully pest control project was set up nearly two years ago, in partnership with the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the Department of Conservation.

Southern Discoveries general manager John Robson said in a statement the company was delighted to be recognised for its work in the sanctuary.

He thanked Mossburn resident Jenny Campbell for nominating the project.