Award Nominee

Seton Nossiter Park is a 30ha protected natural reserve nestled in the steep gullies between five Wellington suburbs. The park provides established walking tracks through native bush and has open space areas, streams, and informal picnic spots. It is very sheltered and has its own micro-climate due to its low-lying nature to the surrounding hillsides. The gully provides a haven of natural atmosphere with an inherent and unadulterated environment that is excellent for recreational use. A great number of people enjoy the park and it is used for a number of varieties.

Lawson Robertson is a member of the Seton Nossiter Park Working Group. The Group was established in 1994 to ensure that the surrounding communities had direct local input into the management of the park to ensure that its natural character was retained and enhanced where possible.

Lawson is a retired 76 year old who has been associated with Seton Nossiter Park for more than 37 years. For more than a decade, Lawson spends up to 10 hours each week in the park controlling weeds, protecting planting, and supporting natural vegetation. A considerable amount of his time is spent on his hands and knees checking and weeding seedlings, particularly those at the very juvenile stage.

His maintenance program includes the propagation and welfare of seedlings of the titoki-tawa grove, a remnant forest. This requires constant attention to prevent re-invasion by grass and weeds and is of great importance to the groves restoration.

Lawson also controls the infestation of Old Man s Beard in an area of the park where efforts are being made to encourage natural vegetation. He also removes ragwort plants to maintain the area free of this noxious weed.

These are all on-going jobs that Lawson voluntarily takes within his stride with a smile, his secateurs and his fork and trowel. He has displayed an outstanding commitment and dedication to Seton Nossiter Park for the benefit of all. His input, contribution, experience and knowledge are invaluable.

- Bruce Patterson, Chair of Seton Nossiter Park Working Group (nominator)