Forest & Bird has recognised some of Aotearoa’s most dedicated environmental champions, presenting its highest honours at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in recognition of outstanding contributions to conservation.
The annual awards celebrate individuals whose work has helped protect native wildlife, restore ecosystems, inspire communities and ensure the future of Aotearoa’s unique biodiversity.
Among this year’s recipients was Auckland conservation advocate Abby Patterson, who received the Te Kaiārahi Rangatahi o te Taiao Youth Award. The award recognises young leaders making a significant impact through environmental action and inspiring others to care for te taiao.
Forest & Bird said Patterson’s leadership and commitment demonstrate the growing strength of youth-led conservation efforts across the country, with young New Zealanders increasingly taking active roles in restoring habitats, protecting native species and advocating for stronger environmental protections.
The organisation also honoured several long-serving volunteers and conservation leaders whose work has spanned decades, recognising achievements ranging from habitat restoration and species protection to environmental education, policy advocacy and community engagement. The awards reflect the thousands of volunteer hours contributed every year by Forest & Bird members across Aotearoa to protect forests, wetlands, rivers, coastlines and endangered wildlife.
Forest & Bird remains one of New Zealand’s largest independent conservation organisations and has been at the forefront of campaigns to safeguard public conservation land, improve freshwater quality, expand marine protection and address the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. In recent months the organisation has also advocated against the sale of conservation land, supported stronger marine reserves and called for greater investment in protecting native ecosystems.
The annual honours highlight the critical role volunteers play in conservation, particularly as environmental pressures continue to grow from habitat loss, invasive species and climate change.
Forest & Bird says recognising the people behind these efforts is an important reminder that protecting nature depends on communities working together to restore and defend the places and species that make Aotearoa unique.
As environmental challenges continue to mount, the organisation says the dedication shown by this year’s award recipients offers hope that future generations will inherit healthier forests, cleaner waterways and thriving native wildlife.
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