Waikato RiverCare pays tribute to supporters in Green Ribbon Award win

Waikato RiverCare Inc. is humbled to win the Green Ribbon Award in the caring for our water category at the annual ceremony held at the Beehive in Wellington on Tuesday.

The Green Ribbon Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals, organisations, businesses and communities to protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

Waikato RiverCare Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson (centre), with Vicky Robinson (left), CE of the Ministry for the environment, and Hon Maggie Barry (right), Minister for Conservation

Waikato RiverCare has been in existence for 16 years, in which time they have fenced 20,300m of riverbank and planted 183,250 plants with another 58,000 planned for this August.

Chairman, David Klee, and operations manager, Kevin Hutchinson, were in Wellington to receive the award on behalf of the organisation.

“It’s fantastic that Waikato RiverCare has been recognised for its efforts over many years to protect and enhance the wellbeing of the river and its catchments,” says Mr. Klee.

“None of these projects would have been possible without the ongoing dedication and support of current and previous committee members and their organisations.”

“It also needs to be acknowledged that an organisation is only ever as good as its staff, and I really need to thank Kevin for his dedication to the role over the past four years.”

Mr. Klee says that Waikato RiverCare is a great example of how a diverse group of organisations can

work together in collaboration to achieve a common goal.

“I am particularly pleased for all our volunteers who have dedicated so much of their own time over the years.”

Operations Manager, Kevin Hutchinson, was quick to acknowledge during his acceptance speech, the input of all the past and present members and the work they have put into the organisation, plus the ongoing support of key sponsors and funders.

“I have only been operations manager for four years so can’t really take credit for all that has been achieved by Waikato RiverCare Inc. over the last 16 years,” he says. 

“Waikato RiverCare is an excellent example of an organisation providing the frame work to draw corporate, government and community interests together to maximise limited resources and achieve tangible results on the ground.”