Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa.

Thank you Phillip, and tena koe, Takutai (Doc) Wikiriwhi and representatives of Ngati Whatua, the Tangata Whenua of Auckland

I'm delighted to be here, as a former Auckland Regional Councillor, and also as the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister with Auckland Issues, to present the E-Awards.

These awards aim to recognise and celebrate positive environmental contributions to our region.

It's important that we acknowledge the work of the Aucklanders who take their relationship with our environment seriously. No matter how large or small the contribution is, every single thing we do counts.

I would like to echo Phillip Warren's comments about the importance of partnership in caring for the environment. The Auckland Regional Council does excellent work in protecting and enhancing the state of the Auckland region's environment.

It's essential that we all do as much as we can, on every level that we can.

At a central government level, we have been working hard to strengthen "partnership" between central and local government and the community on environmental participation.

I'm sure you are as pleased as I am with the large commitment the Labour-Alliance coalition has made to the Environment and NZ's biodiversity.

That commitment includes giving the Ministry for the Environment a more secure funding base so that it can undertake its wide range of Environmental policy work.

We have committed funding to protect and conserve our unique animal and plant species, under the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.

The Strategy's main goals are to restore and sustain a full range of our dwindling species and their habitats, safeguard our most important introduced species, and also safeguard tangata whenua interests in the protection of indigenous plants and animals.

Auckland-specific environmental initiatives from the Government include more than $800,000 to DoC's Auckland Conservancy to protect the region's biodiversity. Highlights of this work include: animal pest control on Great Barrier Island and in the Hunua Ranges; pest eradication on the islands of the Gulf, which are one of the most significant features of the Auckland region; the eradication of argentine ants on Tiritiri Matangi; and weed control throughout Auckland

We have recognised Auckland's unique maritime environment by the establishment of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and we have allocated funding for the establishment and management of the reserve.

We have put more money towards protecting the brown teal on Great Barrier Island, conservation of Hector's dolphins along the west coast of the North Island, and conservation of freshwater eco-systems.

And we have put $10 million dollars towards a permanent Conservation public awareness campaign. The programme includes a special focus on our major cities, in particular Auckland.

Then there is Rio +10.

My colleague, Minister for the Environment Marian Hobbs, wants public feedback on New Zealand's problems and priorities, as part of the Government's preparation for next year's World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Marian sends her best wishes tonight, and says the key to understanding what our environmental challenges are, and how we will overcome them, involves "people who treasure New Zealand's uniqueness, people who care about the health of our environment, and for whom caring means more than words".

We will continue to do our part in central government to enhance and protect the environment, but public awareness, feedback and involvement is the real key to making sure "clean, green New Zealand" is not a myth, but a reality.

Living in urban centres, it is easy to believe that conservation and environmental issues happen "out there", but Auckland has its own urban issues to address and regional treasures to protect.

When visitors come to Auckland by air, they pass over the majestic Manukau Harbour; by boat, they pass the beautiful Islands of the Gulf; by car, the farmlands of rural Auckland.

Our natural attractions include the Waitakere ranges, our beaches, the Hauraki Gulf, our volcanic cones. Some of our biggest events involve an intimate relationship with our environment - the America's Cup is a good example of this.

And there are so many hidden environmental treasures in the city. I know of a rooftop garden just around the corner from here on Karangahape Road, that features a worm farm, a compost heap, a water recycling pond and an abundance of greenery and vegetables.

This particular gardener also composts the organic waste from the café next door to his building.

On a wider level, I'm pleased that Auckland City Council has today launched its new residential recycling and waste management scheme. This involves smaller green wheelie bins and a greater selection of recycling bins. The aim is to reduce the amount of waste we put on our kerbs and into landfills by up to 50% by June 2003.

These are the sorts of innovative urban approaches to the environment that I'm sure Phillip Warren meant when he challenged us to develop new and groundbreaking projects and practices, to take part in simple local projects, and to encourage and inspire others to do the same.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the dedicated approaches tonight's finalists and award-winners have employed in caring for Auckland's environment.

I hope they give us all the inspiration to accept Phil Warren's challenge.

Thank you.