Green Ribbon Award for John Paterson recognises deer farming ‘environmental hero’
Rotorua deer farmer and Landcare Manual convenor John Paterson had his years of patient effort publicly recognised when he won the Rural Sustainability section in the 2005 Minister for the Environment’s Green Ribbon Awards.
The Award was presented by Environment Minister Marian Hobbs in Parliament’s Great Hall at a special function on 9 June to mark World Environment Day. Green Ribbon Awards are annually presented to mark the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations and businesses to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment. This award gave both Paterson and the deer industry participants deserved recognition for a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to sustainability.
The Rural Sustainability Category of the awards, is for “outstanding efforts to sustainably manage land or maintain healthy waterways and lakes, especially by those working in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors, and by community care groups”.
Paterson’s citation noted that his efforts had been outstanding in both time and dedication, but more importantly in the impact on the industry that his championing on the need for environmental responsibility at farm level in working practice has made. “Without this commitment the industry would not have made the progress it has towards incorporating sustainable land management practices at any level, and in particular working with the particular environmental challenges deer can make on farm in soil, water and shelter and shade management” read the citation.
In his acceptance speech, John paid tribute to the 109 deer farmers who shared their experience and knowledge of sustainable management of deer which, he noted, are well on their way to making a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy. He said when he first proposed the concept in 2000 he had expected at least some resistance from farmers to the idea of a farmer-led Landcare Manual, but farmers embraced the concept.
He said the project he led was far more than just producing a document. John commented that it was about cultivating receptivity to new ideas amongst farmers en masse, and leading to changed practices that would result in cleaner streams and improved soil and water quality. He warned against forcing change through regulation, which could alienate farmers. By bringing them on board and involving them in finding solutions, landowners were ‘potent allies’, in the endeavour to build more sustainable farming systems, he said. He also paid tribute to the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund for their support.
Minister for the Environment, Marian Hobbs said the award winners are “a fantastic group of people making a real difference to the environment and their communities”.
The NZDFA and Deer Industry new Zealand whole heartedly agree and thank Ministry for the Environment for that recognition and congratulate John Paterson for his commitment and achievement in promoting new standards and enthusiasm for the industry’s sustainable management programmes.
Other category winners included a conservation club founder, a Crown Research Institute, scrap metal recycler, school groups, and a multi-sector Fiordland fisheries and marine ‘guardians’ group.
-ENDS-
For further information contact:
Tony Pearse
Producer Manager, Deer Industry New Zealand
Tel: 021 719 038 | 
