Trust eager for ‘unsung heroes’ to be nominated

Mayor Jules Radich (right) presented the Best School Project Award to (from left) Fairfield...
Mayor Jules Radich (right) presented the Best School Project Award to (from left) Fairfield School teacher Dean Gordon and pupils Alex Matheson, Jesse Pellowe, Hudson Ryder and Madeline Cook at last year’s Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards for the school’s environmental efforts such as maintaining a walking path and forming a predator patrol squad. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON
Nominations have opened for this year’s Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards, which recognise people, schools, community groups and businesses working to enhance the city’s built and natural environment.

The Keep Dunedin Beautiful Trust said the awards honoured projects that were new or ongoing, although ongoing projects that had previously been nominated or won awards had to show meaningful evolution to remain eligible.

Anyone can nominate anyone and self-nominations are welcome.

Keep Dunedin Beautiful president Mandy Mayhem said she was very motivated to recognise the incredible volunteer mahi beautifying the city.

"We have so many wonderful organisations who love to pick up rubbish and wonderful volunteers who join us every year in Clean Up Week and with our tree planting initiatives.

"We know there are more unsung heroes out there.

"We want to know about groups, businesses or individuals in your community who are doing wonderful voluntary services to help make our city and surrounds a beautiful place to live."

Entries will be assessed on at least one of four criteria: environmental impact; creativity and innovation; sustainability and long-term benefits; and community engagement and collaboration.

Judges will also look for measurable outcomes such as restored spaces, reduced waste or improved aesthetics.

Entries can be lodged until Friday, July 25.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Friday, August 29.

Email keepdunedinbeautiful@dcc.govt.nz for nomination details.

sam.henderson@thestar.co.nz