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Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was crowned supreme Porirua winners at the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night, July 22.
The event, held at Pātaka Art + Museum, highlighted outstanding volunteers and organisations making a difference in Porirua with their dedication and passion.
Category winners were:
Education and Child/Youth Development – 41 (City of Porirua) Squadron Air Training Corp (runner-up Holy Family Parish Youth Ministry)
Health and Wellbeing – Foundation for Equity and Research NZ (runner-up Waitangirua Market)
Arts and Culture – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) (runner-up Malaga Sā)
Sport and Leisure – Plimmerton Boating Club (runner-up Porirua City Aquatics Learn to Swim programme)
Heritage and Environment – Whitireia Park Restoration Group (runner-up Tū Matau Ora)
Rising Star – Heavy Hitterz (runner-up O Le Nu’u Trust)
Supreme Award – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub)
Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was established in 2017 by locals wanting to bring the community together to share skills and build resilience. Last winter, their innovative ‘Pop-Up Parlour’ transformed St Marks Church into a central hub with 48 diverse events held over a five-week period.
Porirua City Council’s general manager community and partnerships Reuben Friend says the awards are a chance to show off how diverse groups are making our a better place for us to live.
“Everyone nominated demonstrates their love for Porirua and its people through their ongoing commitment – they show innovation, effectiveness, perseverance, impact and activity within our communities,” he says.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke says the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Porirua over the previous 12 months.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”
