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Long-time environmental efforts in Leigh have seen the township recognised as a finalist in the Most Beautiful Tiny Town section of this year’s Keep NZ Beautiful awards.
Keep NZ Beautiful chief executive Heather Saunderson says the awards provide a benchmark for environmental excellence, celebrating the sustainability achievements of the many individuals, schools, communities, towns and cities, who have put in the mahi over time to keep New Zealand beautiful.
There are 13 official awards across five categories – individuals, communities, places, and towns and cities.
Leigh’s nomination recognises that it is actively involved in a host of environmental initiatives to protect its unique natural surroundings.
“The small coastal community is home to NZ’s first marine reserve, which plays a vital role in marine conservation and research,” its citation says. “The town promotes sustainable tourism practices at Goat Island, while residents are engaged with various conservation programmes including the Leigh Penguin Project, which helps to create a safe habitat for endangered little blue penguins.
“The community of Leigh is also involved in regular beach clean-ups, tree planting, and pest eradication to maintain the ecological balance of this seaside town.”
The other finalist in the Tiny Town section is Awanui, in the Far North.
Final judging will happen later this month, with the winners announced at the Beautiful Ball at Parliament House on Thursday, November 9.
