Fundraising Manager
On 26th June 2025 we were delighted to attend Northland Regional Council’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards evening at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Project Island Song was nominated for the award for Environmental Action to Protect Native Life. With such a strong field of incredible conservation initiatives across our region, we were extremely proud to be announced as the winners of this award.
Given the partnership-based nature of Project Island Song, it was fantastic to have representatives of all partners present to accept the award, with William Fuller representing the Guardians of the Bay of Islands, Rana Rewha for Ngāti Kuta, Marara (Binnie) O’Neill for Patukeha, and Laura Meyer of DOC. The Project’s achievements to date are built on the strength and resilience of this partnership.
We were further honoured to be Highly Commended for the Kiwi Coast Outstanding Group or Project Award, which recognises high-achieving groups that are collaborative, results-focused, and forward-thinking.
Project Island Song intentionally started out quietly, without seeking too much publicity, as there were significant doubts over whether it was actually feasible to create and maintain pest-free sanctuaries on islands that were so close to the mainland, and so well-visited by humans. Having successfully developed and proven an approach for doing just that over the past 15 years, we are delighted to now receive this recognition.
This award recognises the vision and hard mahi of the many, many people (thousands in fact!) who have contributed their time, effort and money to the Project over the past two decades. If that includes you, then please give yourself a pat on the back!
