And the winner is... the environment

Fernridge School's Alison Andrews-Paul and Zachary Hooper

From Cannons Creek to Masterton, through to Eastbourne and Otaki, dedicated individuals, community groups, businesses and schools devote countless hours of their time to makeour region cleaner and greener.

Greater Wellington recently recognised them at the GW Environmental Awards. "Everywhere in the region committed and passionate people are reclaiming back the bush, replanting the dunes, cleaning local streams, making others aware of the significance of our natural environment and, most importantly, ‘cleaning up their own act'," says Chair Fran Wilde.

These are our champions for the environment:

Meridian School Sustainable Project Award

Winner: Fernridge School (Masterton), Room 6

Fernridge's Enviroschool students are confident leaders of environmental action, identifying major issues and shaping their ideas into practical solutions.

For their project to address water shortages during a drought, students installed a water tank for their vegetable garden and fruit trees. They also converted a grass hill into an attractive Taniwha water garden and led the school's move to seal off its rubbish bins, raising awareness about everyday waste, such as lunch packaging.

Fernridge student Alison Andrews-Paul says the school is proud to be an Enviroschool. "We really work hard to make a difference."

Merit Award: Muritai School (Eastbourne)

Muritai School has developed a school-wide culture of environmental sustainability, giving students the confidence to take action for the environment and share their knowledge.

Merit Award: Glenview School (Cannons Creek)

Glenview's students have built the school's veggie plot and worm farm, and learned how to maintain healthy soils, grow vegetables and herbs, and plant and maintain trees and shrubs.

Meridian School Environmental Leadership Award

Winner: Patrice O'Connor, Douglas Park School (Masterton)

Patrice leads an "enviroteam" of four staff. Her leadership, enthusiasm and organisational abilities means students and staff are aware of the need to learn and care about the natural environment. Students are given opportunities to develop skills to improve their environment at school, helping them to make their own environmental choices in the future.

"I'm incredibly honoured to be recognised for the work we are doing at the school," says Patrice.

Merit Award: Lester Mohe, Glenview School (Cannons Creek)

Lester engages students, staff and the community with his leadership and enthusiasm - changing behaviour to improve environmental sustainability and introducing new ideas to his students on caring for the environment.

Nikau Compliance Award

Winner: Downer EDI Works Infrastructure

Downer EDI has minimised its environmental effects at its asphalt plant in Ngauranga Gorge and is taking an innovative approach to complying with its resource consent. Under asphalt plant manager Gary Sleet, the company has installed a new baghouse (which removes particles from exhaust gas), and introduced monitoring and maintenance procedures beyond consent requirements.

Area manager Wellington, Dave Adams, says Downer EDI aims to manage environmental effects proactively.

Merit Award: Pacific Wallcoverings Ltd

Pacific Wallcoverings has fully complied with its resource consent since it was granted just over two years ago. The company has minimised any harmful effects on the ai