Wairarapa conservationist lauded

WELL DONE: Clive Paton, Ata Rangi vineyard founder, holds the Loder Cup alongside Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

Wairarapa conservationist Clive Paton has been awarded the Loder Cup for 2014 by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

The Loder Cup is an award that acknowledges outstanding achievement in flora conservation work.

Mr Paton is a founding member of the Aorangi Restoration Trust, board director for Pukaha Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre and owner and restorer of "the Bush Block" south of Martinborough.

He was a key player in forming the Waihora Watch to protect the Waihora Stream catchment area.

Clive is also the founder and co-owner of the Ata Rangi vineyard in Martinborough.

He has supported the long-running Project Crimson through proceeds from his popular "Crimson" pinot noir.

Department of Conservation Partnerships manager Chris Lester said people such as Mr Paton were crucial to conservation's success.

"His passion and dedication to conservation in New Zealand is an inspiration."

The Loder Cup was donated by Gerald Loder in 1926.

Loder was a botanist who first visited New Zealand in 1886 and collected flora specimens from all over the Southern Hemisphere.

His aim for the award was to encourage and honour those New Zealanders who "promote, retain and cherish our indigenous flora".