The 2008 Awards Dinner was held on 21 November 2008 in Boaters restaurant.
Grant recipient Derek Billings was unable to attend so he video recorded his thanks and appreciation in advance. His project was the writing of a book entitled Piwakawaka and the Forest which featured forest animals and introduced key themes in environmental management. The book was distributed to every primary school in the greater Christchurch area.
Michael Edmonds received two grant awards, one to employ CPIT students to make animations for use in science courses - "Bringing Science Alive" - see video clip of MIchael's thank you speech.
Michael's second award helped fund research into the nutritional value of NZ edible plants. As a member of CPIT Research Committee Michael was particularly appreciative of the Foundation's funding support of this research project
Te Puna Wanaka received a further award to continue the Rangatahi Excellence Awards programme in 2009. This recognises the achievement of young Maori and two former award winners and their whanau were invited to the dinner to share and talk about their successes. James Tawa (Aranui High) and Tawhiri Ruru (Te Kura Whakapumau i Te Reo Tuturu Ki Waitaha) addressed the guests and a spontaneous haka followed - see video clip below - led by the Dean of Te Puna Wanaka, Hana O'Regan. The haka encourages Ngai Tahu to "get up and become active in their pursuits".