In early December Biosecurity New Zealand's Deputy Director General named the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme team among the recipients of MPI Excellence Awards for the 2024/25 year.
While these awards are an internal MPI initiative to recognise the achievements of MPI people, as with all achievements through this Programme, the recognition belongs to everyone involved in the work around the country. That includes everyone on the tools, contractors and project managers, everyone who has had input into policy work, operational planning, research initiatives, engagement and communications activities, the Wilding Conifer Information System, and the projects, events, reports, papers, advice and ideas that constantly flow between the remarkable network of people and organisations that are the substance of this Programme.
MPI’s annual excellence awards “recognise and celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication and mahi of our people” towards MPI’s four strategic outcomes:
Prosperity - Tōnuitanga
Protection - Whakangungu
Sustainability - Kauneke Tauwhiro
Visible Leadership – Ngā Manukura
The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme team was awarded in the Protection - Whakangungu category.
The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme team leads the national effort to protect productive land and iconic landscapes from the spread of wilding conifers. (The Programme's) work this year has delivered outstanding economic and environmental outcomes and is recognised as a benchmark for how MPI can lead complex, multi-partner initiatives with vision and integrity…
(Programme partners) collaborate between central agencies, councils, and technical specialists and others to improve wilding conifer management, contributing to an expanding body of good practice guidance for contractors and land managers. They take an open, inclusive approach, working closely with partners and stakeholders on operational, health and safety, and policy challenges and opportunities."
Congratulations to all involved.