Time to get off the fence for East Coast enviro awards

The cut-off date for entering the 2025 Ballance East Coast Farm Environment awards is approaching. Awapapa Station at Hangaroa (pictured) has previously featured. Photo / Ben Cowper

The clock is ticking for those keen to enter the 2025 East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Entries close on October 31.

“If you or someone you know is sitting on the fence, now is the time to share your story,” East Coast awards co-ordinator Kahlia Fryer said.

“Enter, receive feedback on your business in a positive environment, identify your strengths and learn from others who are passionate about the food and fibre sector.

“Our East Coast chair, Evan Potter, is available as a mentor if you would like to talk through any part of the process with someone who has been through it before.

“Feel free to contact him on 027-352-8874, or by emailing him on waipapax@gmail.com”

The awards are facilitated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, which champions good farming practices.

“The purpose of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards is to celebrate farmer and grower achievement, showcase good practices to other farmers and growers, and share positive farming and growing stories with all audiences,” Fryer said.

“Essentially this means that each year we ask for farmers and growers to put their hand up and enter these awards to tell their story. "

The judges’ assessment considers the farm system and that includes freshwater, soil health and nutrients, waste management, climate adaptation, biodiversity and heritage, biosecurity (including plant and animal protection), animal care (if relevant), people and wellbeing (including health and safety, employment, staff wellbeing), and business resilience (including business planning and succession planning).