\u201cIf we don\u2019t look after that [the environment], we are doomed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mark said action on climate change was a typical example of where humans were letting the environment down, and at this stage he did not see \u201cany hope\u201d of reversing the difficult situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the democratic process has let us down here, when the party in power takes a stand… the other party says vote for us we wouldn\u2019t put you through that,\u201d Mark says.<\/p>\n
He says he was disappointed in the Government\u2019s approach to environmental issues, and he feared for future consequences, as increasing storms and cyclones would soon become unaffordable for the country to repair.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor them, economic development is the only thing that matters, if they can get that, the environment doesn\u2019t really count.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the late 1960s, the Government proposed raising the levels of the Fiordland lakes, Manapouri and Te Anau, to increase hydroelectricity production.<\/p>\n
Mark said the fragile ecosystem and lake environment would have been badly damaged by a raised water level, an example he had seen in his youth spending time around Lake Monowai.<\/p>\n
His research into the shorelines of the Fiordland lakes was the driving force behind the Save Manapouri campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen making these environmental and conservation efforts you get abuse from those who would rather see the development, and you pay that price,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The Norman Kirk Government \u201cturned the tables\u201d by stopping the raising of the lake levels and leaving them in their natural state, Mark said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think the most important thing is to take the public into your confidence and explain the situation in simple but scientifically sound terms,\u201d Mark said.<\/p>\n
He attended Mornington School and went on to study botany, zoology and chemistry at Otago University eventually landing on plant ecology, before venturing to America as a Fulbright fellow to study for his PhD.<\/p>\n
Otago University made Mark an emeritus professor for his services to the university.<\/p>\n
2025 Blake Award winners<\/p>\n
Earth Sciences New Zealand P\u016btaiao\/Science Award: Emeritus Professors Steve Dawson and Liz Slooten <\/p>\n
Pakihi Auaha\/Business Award: Michael Eaglen<\/p>\n
Westpac Rangatira m\u014d \u0101p\u014dp\u014d\/Young Leader: Riley Hathaway<\/p>\n
Metlifecare Poutoko Hapori\/Community Award: Claire Roper<\/p>\n
Whakakakau\/Communication Award: Nikora Ngaropo<\/p>\n
M\u0101tauranga\/Education Award: Sally Carson<\/p>\n
Ng\u0101 Kura\/Schools Award: Stratford Primary School<\/p>\n