Congratulations to Taradale Soil Specialist

Taradale land specialist, Garth Eyles, is being congratulated on his achievement in receiving a Green Ribbon Award after being presented with his award by the Minister for the Environment, Hon Nick Smith at a ceremony at Parliament last night.

Garth was the manager of the land management section at Hawke's Bay Regional Council until his retirement last year, but is still involved as a consultant on specific soil conservation projects such as Tutira Country Park.

“Garth has always been a passionate advocate for the value of our land and soils in the region and has made some significant contributions nationally to land management. It’s great to see him acknowledged with a Green Ribbon Award,” said Andrew Newman, Chief Executive.

Garth Eyles received a Hawke’s Bay Environmental Award last year, and was subsequently nominated for a Green Ribbon Award by the awards’ joint working group.

“Garth was an outstanding choice for an environmental award last year, and it is wonderful that he has been recognised as a top environmental leader in New Zealand with a Green Ribbon Award,” said Chair of the joint environmental award working group, Napier City Councillor Dave Pipe.

Garth Eyles will be known to many landowners in Hawke’s Bay as he has worked with them over many years to stop erosion and develop more sustainable land uses.

Garth started work as a soil scientist in the mid 1960s with the Department of Agriculture and then the Ministry of Works, preparing detailed land use capability surveys of Development Blocks and Catchment areas. He worked for a period as a soil scientist with DSIR and then in the 1990s worked for the Hawke’s Bay and Rangitikei Conservation Boards, before going to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. He has also worked overseas on soil conservation projects.

In 2003 Garth was presented with honorary membership of NZARM (New Zealand Association of Resource Management).

Quite apart from his work, he has also spent much of his leisure time working with community groups developing plantings, and providing advice to landowners wanting to improve their soil and land.