From an 11-year-old innovator to an octogenarian conservationist, Southland’s environmental heroes were celebrated in style at the 29th Environment Southland Community Awards held in Invercargill on Friday evening (3 Oct).

The event showcased a diverse group of winners whose ages spanned from primary school students to retirees, all united by their passion and commitment to protecting and enhancing the region’s natural environment.

Among the standout recipients was Te Anau entrepreneur Zac Marsh, who received the prestigious 2025 Councillors’ Award. At just 11 years old, Marsh has single-handedly established a soft plastics recycling service in Te Anau, inspiring his community and the judging panel alike.

Octogenarian Allan McPherson and the Friends of Kew Bush were also recognised for their decades-long dedication to restoring the rare kahikatea forest at Kew Bush.

Their collaboration with the Southern Institute of Technology’s School of Environmental Management has transformed the area into a living laboratory and outdoor classroom. The Kew Bush Restoration and Education Programme took home the Environmental Action in the Community Award.

Environment Southland chairman and awards judge Nicol Horrell praised the calibre of this year’s finalists.

“Southlanders are humble and rarely seek attention for the remarkable environmental mahi they’re quietly working away at in our communities. It is our privilege to honour their achievements,” Horrell said.

“Each finalist is a shining light that empowers and encourages others to follow their example."

"This year we celebrate a diverse range of winners who, through dedication, innovation, and collaboration, are making Murihiku Southland a better place now and for future generations.”

Marine scientist Rebecca McLeod was awarded the prestigious Kaitiaki Tohu Pou Award for her tireless work in preserving and protecting Fiordland’s marine ecosystems.

Other winners included Duncan Jennings of Flaxhill Farm, who received the Environmental Action in Wetlands & Waterways Award for his family’s commitment to wetland development and water quality improvement.

The inaugural Emerging Environmental Action Award went to Deer To Care, a group that provides meat from feral deer control to those in need—an initiative blending conservation with community support.

Tuatapere Predator Free Team president Tony Shore inspecting one of the group's new AT220 automatic traps. Photo: Supplied

Southland Carbon was recognised with the Environmental Leadership and Innovation in Business Award for its pioneering work turning forestry residues into biochar, a substance that helps reduce environmental harm when added to livestock feed, soils, and waterways.

The Tuatapere Reserve Pest Control Charitable Trust earned the Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity Award for its volunteer efforts to protect rare native species in the Tuatapere Scenic Reserve.

Mararoa School was celebrated for integrating kaitiakitanga into everyday learning, winning the Environmental Action in Education Award.

Chris and Andrea Bulleid’s Glengordon Farm received the Environmental Leadership in Farming Award for their extensive on-farm environmental work.

Cam McCulloch was honoured with the Individual Environmental Leadership or Action Award for his 19 years of service leading the Waiau Fisheries and Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Trust.

Full list of winners

• Emerging Environmental Action: Deer To Care
• Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity: Tuatapere Reserve Pest Control Group Charitable Trust
• Environmental Action in Education: Mararoa School; Highly Commended: Deep Cove Outdoor Education Trust and Fiordland Marine Guardians – Fiordland Education Programme
• Environmental Action in the Community: Kew Bush Restoration and Education Programme; Highly Commended: Waikawa Catchment Group
• Environmental Action in Wetlands and Waterways: Flaxhill Farm – Duncan Jennings; Highly Commended: Wards Wetland
• Environmental Leadership and Innovation in Business: Southland Carbon
• Environmental Leadership in Farming: Glengordon Farm – Chris and Andrea Bulleid
• Individual Environmental Leadership or Action: Cam McCulloch
• Councillors’ Award: Zac Marsh – Soft Plastic Recycling Te Anau
• Kaitiaki Tohu Pou Award: Rebecca McLeod