Awards
The Ron Flook Award
The Ronald Flook Award is NZ Arb’s premier professional recognition award and is intended primarily as a lifetime or legacy award recognising outstanding contribution to arboriculture in New Zealand.
Established and dedicated to Ron Flook in 1993, the award was originally created to recognise excellence in arboricultural design and practice before broadening in 2006 to acknowledge excellence across the wider field of arboriculture and tree-related endeavours.
The award recognises individuals who have made a sustained, influential, and nationally significant contribution to trees and arboriculture in New Zealand over many years. This may include contributions to:
• tree management and arboricultural practice;
• research and education;
• tree protection and advocacy;
• policy development;
• landscape and amenity tree design;
• nursery production and propagation;
• professional leadership; or
• advancement of arboriculture as a profession.
The Ronald Flook Award is not limited to NZ Arb members and may appropriately recognise influential contributors from related fields including academia, horticulture, landscape architecture, research, heritage, education, nursery production, or public policy, where their work has significantly advanced arboriculture or tree management in New Zealand.
The award is intended to recognise enduring contribution and legacy rather than a single project, initiative, or period of service to the Association.
The Ronald Flook Award may not necessarily be presented annually.
Award Conditions
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Nominations are called for in March of each year
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Recipients need not be members of NZ Arb.
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Entries for the award in any one-year will close 30 August.
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The successful nominee will be notified in September
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The award is to be presented at the Annual Conference, Conference Dinner
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The number of awards given in any one year shall not exceed one.
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The awards committee reserves the right not to make an award in any one year if in its opinion nominations received are of insufficient merit
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The Awards Committee shall be the Executive Committee of the NZ Arb or a subcommittee appointed by the National Executive to oversee the award.
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Unsuccessful nominations will be carried forward for consideration the following year.
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Applicants for the award must be NZ citizens or residents.
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Applications from NZ citizens or residents temporarily living overseas will be considered.
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The decision of the Awards Committee shall be final.
Award Applications
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Applications or nominations by a person, persons or organisation are acceptable.
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Applications should be as detailed as possible and include the following:
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The full name and contact details of the applicant. Where the applicant is more than one person or an organisation, the persons and/or organisation must be listed.
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The full name and contact details of the nominee
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A citation detailing the career of the nominee with reasons why they should be considered for the award. This should include any qualifications, work experience published articles, or projects and/or any other relevant details.
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Personal applications should also include the name and contact details of a person able to give confidential personal references on behalf of the applicant.
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Applications should be emailed to NZ Arb before the 30th day of August. Emails should be sent to administrator@nzarb.org.nz with the subject line, Nomination for the Ron Flook Award
Award Winners
2024
Mike Wilcox
2019
Stacy Colyer
2015
Mark Roberts
2011
(No Award Given)
2007
Ed Chignell
2003
David Glenn
1999
Michael Ayrton
1995
Albie Elwood-Smith
2023
No award given
2018
Rob Graham
2014
Brad Cadwallader
2010
Robert Berry
2006
Ron Flook (re-dedicated)
2002
Walter Fielding-Cotterell
1998
(No Award Given)
1994
Murray King
2022
Alan Parker
2017
Helen Lowe
2013
Ralph J Ballinger
2009
Rob Douglas
2005
Frank Buddingh
2001
Eric Appleton
1997
Martin Herbert
2020
Rick Jobbit
2016
Andrew Harrison
2012
Gavin Donaldson
2008
Gordon Ikin
2004
John and Bunny Mortimer
2000
Jolyon Manning
1996
Tony Jackman
President's Award
The President’s Award is presented at the discretion of the sitting NZ Arb President.
The award provides flexibility for the President to acknowledge an individual, group, or contribution that may not fit neatly within the criteria of the other awards, but which the President considers deserving of recognition.
The award may recognise:
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exceptional support to the President or Executive;
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special contributions during the year;
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unique or unforeseen service;
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outstanding representation of NZ Arb or arboriculture; or
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contributions outside conventional award categories.
The President’s Award is discretionary and may not necessarily be presented annually.
Award Conditions
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The number of awards given in any one year shall not exceed one
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The award may be given to a person, company or organisation
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The award is to be presented at the Annual Conference, Conference Dinner
Award Winners
Lea Boodee
2024
Lawrence Schicker
2020
Gerald Collett
2016
Bryan Gould
2012
Richard and Karen Tregoweth
2023
Zane Wedding
2019
David James
2015
Beverley Glenn
2011
Andy Neverman
2022
Chrissy Spence
2018
Derek Winwood
2014
Mark Roberts
2010
Dr Mels Barton
2021
Scott Forrest
2017
Mark Roberts
2013
Lisa Sanderson
2009
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognises outstanding voluntary service to NZ Arb within the past calendar year.
The award acknowledges members who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of the Association through voluntary effort, commitment, leadership, support, or participation.
The award was dedicated to David James in 2019 in recognition of his longstanding service and support of arboriculture on both the national and international stage.
Typical contributions may include:
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committee or branch leadership;
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conference or event organisation;
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member support and mentoring;
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advocacy for the Association;
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significant voluntary time and effort; or
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advancement of NZ Arb initiatives and programmes.
This award is specifically focused on service to the Association within a recent timeframe rather than broader professional achievement or lifetime contribution.
Award Conditions
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Nominations are called for in March of each year
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The recipient must be a member of NZ Arb (as an individual or as an employee of an employer holding corporate membership) at the time of nomination
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Entries for the award in any one-year will close 30 August.
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The successful nominee will be notified in September
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The award is to be presented at the Annual Conference, Conference Dinner
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The number of awards given in any one year shall not exceed one.
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The awards committee reserves the right not to make an award in any one year if in its opinion nominations received are of insufficient merit
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The Awards Committee shall be the Executive Committee of the NZ Arb or a subcommittee appointed by the National Executive to oversee the award.
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Applicants for the award must be NZ citizens or residents.
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The decision of the Awards Committee shall be final.
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Consideration may be given to sustained and/or continuous contribution over a number of years
Award Applications
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Applications or nominations by a person, persons or organisation are acceptable.
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Applications should be as detailed as possible and include the following:
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The full name and contact details of the applicant. Where the applicant is more than one person or an organisation, the persons and/or organisation must be listed.
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The full name and contact details of the nominee
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A citation detailing the activities and actions of the nominee with reasons why they should be considered for the award.
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Personal applications should also include the name and contact details of a person able to give confidential personal references on behalf of the applicant.
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Applications should be emailed to NZ Arb before the 30th day of August. Emails should be sent to administrator@nzarb.org.nz with the subject line, Nomination for the Volunteer of the year Award
Award Winners
2024
Kevin Squire
2020
Craig Lamb
2017
Hiroshi Ikeno
2023
Andy Neverman
2019
David James
2022
Tim Lovejoy
2019
Chelsea Robertson
2021
Stu Byrne
2018
Mark Way
Services to New Zealand Arboriculture Award
The Services to New Zealand Arboriculture Award recognises significant contribution to arboriculture through innovation, leadership, research, organisational initiatives, technical advancement, education, or professional service.
Contributions may include:
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policy or regulatory influence;
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leadership within the profession or industry;
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advancement of arboricultural education or practice;
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organisational or sector development; or
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initiatives that improve professional standards or outcomes.
Unlike the Ronald Flook Award, this award does not necessarily recognise an entire career or lifetime contribution.
Award Conditions
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Nominations are called for in March of each year.
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The recipient must be or must have been a member of NZ Arb (as an individual or as an employee of an employer holding corporate membership) at the time of their contribution(s)
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Entries for the award in any one-year will close 30 August.
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The successful nominee will be notified in September
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The award is to be presented at the Annual Conference, Conference Dinner
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The number of awards given in any one year shall not exceed one.
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The awards committee reserves the right not to make an award in any one year if in its opinion nominations received are of insufficient merit
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The Awards Committee shall be the Executive Committee of the NZ Arb or a subcommittee appointed by the National Executive to oversee the award.
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Applicants for the award must be NZ citizens or residents.
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The decision of the Awards Committee shall be final.
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Consideration may be given to sustained and/or continuous contribution over a number of years
Award Applications
-
Applications or nominations by a person, persons or organisation are acceptable.
-
Applications should be as detailed as possible and include the following:
-
The full name and contact details of the applicant. Where the applicant is more than one person or an organisation, the persons and/or organisation must be listed.
-
The full name and contact details of the nominee
-
A citation detailing the activities and actions of the nominee with reasons why they should be considered for the award.
-
Personal applications should also include the name and contact details of a person able to give confidential personal references on behalf of the applicant.
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Applications should be emailed to NZ Arb before the 30th day of August. Emails should be sent to administrator@nzarb.org.nz with the subject line, Nomination for the Services and Innovation Award
Award Winners
2024
Chris Walsh
2021
Sam Glenn
2017
Freddie Hjelm
2023
Scott Forrest
2020
Toby Chapman
.
Clogger
2022
Brad Cadwallader
2019
Andrew Benson
.
Dale Thomas
2021
Joe Cooper
2018
Brandon Whiddett
Innovation Award
The Innovation Award recognises contribution to arboriculture through innovation, research, or organisational initiatives, or technical advancement.
This award is generally intended to recognise a specific body of work. An initiative, or achievement that has positively influenced arboriculture in New Zealand.
Contributions may include:
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innovation in equipment, systems, or techniques;
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research or technical advancement
Award Conditions
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Nominations are called for in March of each year.
-
The recipient must be or must have been a member of NZ Arb (as an individual or as an employee of an employer holding corporate membership) at the time of their contribution(s)
-
Entries for the award in any one-year will close 30 August.
-
The successful nominee will be notified in September
-
The award is to be presented at the Annual Conference, Conference Dinner
-
The number of awards given in any one year shall not exceed one.
-
The awards committee reserves the right not to make an award in any one year if in its opinion nominations received are of insufficient merit
-
The Awards Committee shall be the Executive Committee of the NZ Arb or a subcommittee appointed by the National Executive to oversee the award.
-
Applicants for the award must be NZ citizens or residents.
-
The decision of the Awards Committee shall be final.
-
Consideration may be given to sustained and/or continuous contribution over a number of years
Award Applications
-
Applications or nominations by a person, persons or organisation are acceptable.
-
Applications should be as detailed as possible and include the following:
-
The full name and contact details of the applicant. Where the applicant is more than one person or an organisation, the persons and/or organisation must be listed.
-
The full name and contact details of the nominee
-
A citation detailing the activities and actions of the nominee with reasons why they should be considered for the award.
-
Personal applications should also include the name and contact details of a person able to give confidential personal references on behalf of the applicant.
-
-
Applications should be emailed to NZ Arb before the 30th day of August. Emails should be sent to administrator@nzarb.org.nz with the subject line, Nomination for the Services and Innovation Award
Award Winners
2024
Chris Walsh
2021
Sam Glenn
2017
Freddie Hjelm
2023
Scott Forrest
2020
Toby Chapman
.
Clogger
2022
Brad Cadwallader
2019
Andrew Benson
.
Dale Thomas
2021
Joe Cooper
2018
Brandon Whiddett
New Arborist of the Year Award (NAOTY)
The New Arborist of the Year Competition (NAOTY) began in 2013 with the first event held in Queenstown.
The competition was developed to promote the new arborists in the industry and allow them to have an event that challenges them with individuals of similar experience.
With great local sponsors supporting us and Husqvarna providing some exciting prizes, this competition provides a fantastic platform for new arborists in the industry.
The opportunities to network, upskill and gain recognition with industry leaders will be sure to inspire any new arborist to this innovative and dynamic career.
Award Conditions
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Competitors are required to qualify for the national event by competing it their regional work climb event along with a multi-choice theory test.
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The finalists from the regional events undertake a practical and theory tests to find the top New Arborist of the year.
Award Winners
Jordan Sutherland
2024
Yoan Willman
2018
Scott Geddes
2014
Craig Scott
2023
Joshua Talsma
2017
Stephen Griffiths
2013
Martin Manea
2020
Josh Symes
2016
Joe Newdick
2019
Craig Lamb