NZ Freshwater Sciences Society Medal and Honorary Membership
Rules:
1. The New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society Medal is for an outstanding contribution
to our understanding and management of freshwaters by a member of the Society, with
criteria for consideration of nominations as set out below.
2. Nominations for Medals are considered by the Awards Committee (currently comprising
the President, Secretary-Treasurer, a SIL Trustee and two members elected at an AGM).
3. Honorary membership of the Society can be voted at a General Meeting of the Society, for
those members who have performed significant service to the Society usually over a long
period, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee as set out in the Society rules.
Criteria for the Medal:
Matters for consideration by the Awards Committee (not all need apply in any particular case and
not in priority order):
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National or international recognition of research or management output
Leadership in particular fresh or brackish water science field
Quantum and quality of research or management output
Contribution to education or public knowledge of freshwater science
Contribution towards sustainable management of freshwater environments
Contribution towards the conservation of one or more species, habitats or freshwater
ecosystems
There would be an expectation that any members nominated and considered worthy of this
elevated status would be recognised in an appropriate fashion, such as in an award ceremony at
the annual conference, to which the person awarded would be invited at the Society’s cost and
expected to provide a presentation. Nominations would include relevant biographic information,
a statement of the nominated person’s specific outstanding contributions to freshwater science in
New Zealand and letters of support from at least two additional members of the Society at least
one of whom is not employed by the same organisation. The closing date for nominations is 15
September 2012. There would be no expectation that any Award need be presented in any given
year. It is recommended that nominations are made without prior knowledge of the nominee.
Criteria for Honorary Membership of the Society:
As is set out in the Constitution, persons considered eligible for honorary membership are
recommended to a General Meeting of the Society by the Executive Committee. Criteria for the
award would usually involve significant service to freshwater science and/or to the Society,
usually over a lengthy period. It is recommended that any nominations for honorary membership
could be received by the Executive committee from members at least two months prior to any
General Meeting of the Society, to provide time for the Committee to consider these and make a
recommendation to the General Meeting with adequate notice as required in the Society Rules.