Northland Regional Council Biodiversity Manager, Lisa Forester, has won the Individual Involved in Plant Conservation Award from the New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN).
The NZPCN awards acknowledge outstanding contributions to native plant conservation.
Council Chair, Tui Shortland said Ms Forester’s knowledge of Te Taitokerau’s plant world was “legendary”.
“She has been an advocate for wetlands, gum lands, dune lakes, rare and threatened plants for over 40 years and instrumental in the protection of biodiversity in the Northland region,” said Ms Shortland.
“Lisa is a fabulous mentor and teacher, always taking time to teach others and loves to share her knowledge with agency staff, iwi, and the wider community.
“She has an important influence on the plant world in Northland and shares their respect and passion for Te Ao Māori, incorporating it into her everyday life.”
Ms Shortland said that as Biodiversity Manager, Ms Forrester was well placed to lead and influence a team to achieve sustainable outcomes in CoastCare, biodiversity, and water quality.
“Lisa has made a large contribution of 1900 specimens to the Auckland Herbarium collection and has played a part in discovering many unusual plants in Te Taitokerau. She has also written and contributed to many articles and papers on plants and forest health,” she said.
“With a fondness for Northland’s dunes lakes, Lisa has helped improve the public appreciation and understanding of these incredibly special places. Her advice on their restoration, delineation, and biosecurity continues to be crucial in their protection.”
