In August 2007 the quarry received a 'Highly Commended' award in the Sustainable Business section of the Auckland Regional Council's (ARC) Sustainable Environment Awards.

Just six kilometres from the city centre the site, off Mt Eden Road, is part of a location that has been quarried for 150 years. Effects of the quarrying activity have been reduced to a level that means many in the community are not even aware of the quarry's presence.

With a host of potential environmental effects to be managed, ranging from noise and vibration, to traffic and cultural heritage, the award is testament to the hard work of all staff in implementing the company's Environmental Policy.

Bernie Chote, General Manager of Winstone Aggregates was impressed by the award. "The Auckland Regional Council's recognition of Three Kings Quarry is not to be taken lightly as they set very high standards", he says.

"It is a tribute to the persistent efforts of the past and present staff and management of the quarry. They have worked with their community to control environmental effects in an urban environment where houses are not far from the quarry in any direction."

The last 10 to 15 years has seen a need to make environmental improvements and move away from old and previously acceptable methods of quarrying at Three Kings Quarry to meet the public's increasing expectations.

During this time Winstone Aggregates has gone beyond what was mandatory, establishing a range of extra initiatives in recognition of the sensitivity of the urban environment in which it operates.

The local community has been kept informed, and given a voice, with regular community liaison meetings, the website, open days and newsletters.