First Wildlife Ambassador Awards to trio

A trio of Dunedin wildlife advocates have become the inaugural recipients of an award recognising their pivotal role in shaping the city’s celebration of nature.

To commemorate a special 10-year anniversary Wild Dunedin, the New Zealand festival of nature, has awarded three Wildlife Ambassador Awards to former festival co-ordinator Suzanne Middleton, broadcaster Damian Newell and children’s entertainer Suzy Cato.

Wild Dunedin trustee Kerry Buchan said all three recipients had given much time and energy to the festival and a wider mission of celebrating and protecting Dunedin’s natural heritage.

She said Ms Middleton dedicated countless volunteer hours to building relationships across the community, highlighting sustainable businesses, and championing environmental initiatives.

Ms Cato created nature-themed songs and experiences that inspired generations to love and protect the natural world, and Mr Newell had been an "environmental voice" as a broadcaster and used his platform to amplify environmental causes. —APL