Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards 2023

Our chairman Mike Camm was nominated for one of the Environmental Leadership categories of the
NRC’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards 2023, held at the McKay Stadium Lounge in
Whangārei on Friday 21 July. Mike was duly a finalist, and a small group of us were invited along to
support our fine leader to the ceremony. With due credit to Mike’s infallible dedication and
commitment to conserving the environment, he was awarded the winner of “Outstanding contribution
to te taiao”! Congratulations Mike!! What a fitting endorsement of his incredible leadership he has
demonstrated over more than 20 years in spreading his passion for the environment and steering TLC
down a, sometimes difficult, trail.

Photos courtesy of Dawn Dutton Photography

Immediately following Mike receiving his award and giving his heart-warming thank you address, Ngaire
Sullivan (Kiwi Coast) announced the winner of the next category: “Kiwi Coast outstanding group or
project award” – was the Tutukaka Landcare Coalition Trust!!! Our small group were astonished and
amazed – this was completely unexpected, and we weren’t even aware we were nominated!! Like
stunned mullet, and without Mike, we took the stage, received the award, and did our best at giving
thanks to NRC and Kiwi Coast for their invaluable support over the past decade. Meanwhile, Mike was
being photographed, unaware of this he returned to our table with great surprise to see a proud TLC
support group holding a second award!

This further endorsement of our group is a testament to our TLC members, volunteers, and our community for their hard work and support for the goal of maintaining a healthy environment on the Tutukaka Coast. Thanks to all of you.