This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Community spirit and local generosity lit up Whirinaki Whare Taonga as Upper Hutt celebrated its Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards finalists last week.
Thirty-three volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations were the local finalists, recognised across six categories for their countless hours of service to the Upper Hutt community.
The represented initiatives were diverse and wide-reaching. They included scouts, sports clubs, animal welfare advocates, creative arts groups, and social service providers, amongst others.
“The energy and effort of volunteers and community groups make a real difference to locals every day,” Upper Hutt City Council’s community partnerships manager Jane Braun.
“All of the finalists contribute significantly to the social fabric of our local community.”
Dedication and commitment were not the only qualities in the spotlight at the annual awards. Upper Hutt City Council group manager community services Mike Ryan commended the finalists for demonstrating innovation and a keen understanding of their community.
“Year on year, the Airport Awards show us how community-led initiatives address and adapt to local needs and service gaps. Such a breadth of delivery models and support structures is inspiring, and a huge asset to Upper Hutt,” he says
Wellington Airport has hosted the awards in conjunction with the wider region’s city councils since 2004.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke emphasised that the airport is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Upper Hutt.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all the Upper Hutt finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year,” he says.
Upper Hutt’s winners have now progressed to the final stage of the awards, where they will be acknowledged alongside the winners from the other participating councils in the region, and will have the opportunity to become the overall winner in their respective award category.
This year’s Upper Hutt winners and runners-up are:
Arts and Culture
Winner: Pinestream Quilters
Runner-up: Te Heke Mai
Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Stockdale Farm
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Autism Group (UHAG)
Health and Wellbeing
Winner: Upper Hutt Women’s Centre
Runner-up (joint): Upper Hutt Community Patrol
Runner-up (joint): Ōrongomai Marae – Kai Bank
Heritage and Environment
Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Repair Café
Sport and Leisure
Winner: Reload FX
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Hockey Club
Rising Star
Winner: Natural Leaders
Supreme Award
Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust
