Trail-blazing technology to test for disease and environmental issues out in the field has won the Supreme Award at the 2023 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards, held at the Marlborough Events Centre last month.
Blenheim company, DNAiTECH, has developed DNA sampling and analysis that gives on-the-spot results for a quick response and action, rather than waiting for samples to be sent to a lab for analysis.
The software and equipment is easy to use and has a wide range of applications in testing for harmful pathogens in water, soil, plants, insects and humans. There is also an educational element to the business, which aims to introduce students to applying science to real-life situations.
The judges were impressed by the innovation and wide range of environmental applications, the ease of use, and DNAiTECH’s commitment to engaging young people in science.
The Supreme winner was selected from the seven category winners announced at the Awards Event. They are:
1. Forestry: M&R Forestland Management M&R Forestland Management focused on good planning and working closely with their logging contractor to reduce erosion, sedimentation and damage to waterways during harvesting at Canantor Forest in the Wakamarina Valley. The judges said this collaboration provides a strong example for other forestry companies to follow.
2. Landscape and Habitat Enhancement: East Coast Protection Group Increased pressure on wildlife and landscape after the uplift of the Kaikoura earthquake led to the formation of the East Coast Protection Group. They are raising awareness about the special plant and animal communities in the area and collaborating with many others to look after them.
3. Marine: Marine Flex Picton company, Marine Flex, has developed a mooring and anchor system that reduces damage to the seabed under marine farms, boats and jetties. Marine Flex’s rubber cables are a big improvement on conventional heavy chains that sweep the seafloor and impact marine habitat and sea life. The Marine Flex mooring system is sold around the world.
4. Farming: Sevenoaks Sevenoaks, farmed by Paul and Cath Baker near Renwick, impressed the judges for its diversity. Sheep, beef, seed crops and grapes are grown alongside wetland and biodiversity projects, and there is some tourism activity as well. The Bakers have put a lot of thought into successfully matching land use with land suitability.
5. Wine Industry: Repost It took a farmer to come up with Repost – a company that recycles broken, chemically treated grape posts into fencing. This solves a serious waste disposal issue for winegrowers, plus provides affordable posts for fencing off streams and significant natural areas around New Zealand. It’s a win for winegrowers, farmers and the environment.
6. Community Innovation: Picton Dawn Chorus The judges applauded Picton Dawn Chorus’s community-driven response to deal with a degraded environment and bring back native birds and the results they’ve achieved. 7. Business Innovation: DNAiTECH
The Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards are held every two years to showcase businesses and community projects that protect and enhance the environment. The Awards are supported by the Marlborough District Council, Cawthron Institute, Department of Conservation and local sponsors.
