7 June 1996 Accolade for EnviroSchool

Government Ministerial recognition for Lincoln University's EnviroSchool has come with the presentation of a Green Ribbon Award by Environment Minister Simon Upton, after nomination by the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Green Ribbon Awards, a personal form of recognition from the Minister for the Environment, acknowledge outstanding effort and achievement by people who have worked to protect and improve New Zealand's environment.

As the Minister said in a letter of congratulations to EnviroSchool Co-ordinator Dr Graeme Buchan, "It acknowledges the initiative, dedication and sheer hard work exerted by New Zealanders to show their care for our part of the world".

Mr Upton commended EnviroSchool for providing opportunities for 6th and 7th form students to find out more about national and international science and environmental issues.

The announcement of the award to Lincoln was made on World Environment Day, Wednesday 5 June, and it was one of three awards made nationally. A presentation ceremony, probably at Parliament Buildings, will be held at a later date.

Dr Buchan, Reader in the Department of Soil Science, says the award has to be seen as a shared one for all on campus involved with EnviroSchool – "My fellow co-ordinators, Bob Leonard, Betty Shore and Caroline Steans, all the participating and contributing Lincoln staff, academics, administrative staff, those in the halls and on the catering side, those in the Centre for Continuing Education and the Community Relations Centre, and of course our valued sponsors BP, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand, the Rotary Clubs of New Zealand and Lincoln Rotary."

Lincoln has been conducting EnviroSchools for 6th and 7th formers from throughout New Zealand every two years since 1990. The most recent was held over 8-12 April and was attended by 110 students.

The Community Diary is produced by – The Community Relations Centre, Lincoln University, New Zealand.