The spirit of volunteerism and community dedication took centerstage at Whirinaki Whare Taonga last Tuesday night at the joint awards night for Upper Hutt Civic Awards and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Three outstanding members of our community were awarded the Upper Hutt Civic Awards and twenty-two finalists competed for the overall award in their category for the latter, and for the opportunity to be named “Supreme Winner”.
The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the “Supreme Winner” which went to the Friends of the Mawaihakona Stream. Two retired old boys from St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, started this grassroot initiative twenty years ago to restore the gorse and blackberry ridden Mawaihakona Stream.
The Friends of Mawaihakona Stream is now completely supported by community volunteers, schools and local organisations. It has become a favourite local spot for community connection and recreation.
The Friends of the Mawaihakona Stream expressed their gratitude for the recognition, saying, “We are humbled by this honour and deeply thankful for the support we’ve received from our community”.
“What began as a simple idea by two old blokes to enhance our local environment has blossomed into a powerful force for positive change. This award is a testament to the dedication of every individual who has contributed to the success of the Friends of Mawaihakona Stream.”
Wellington Airport brand and sponsorship manager Jo Maxwell, who was one of the judges, says Wellington Airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Upper Hutt in the past twelve months.
“We had a record number of nominations across the region in the awards this year. Twenty-two Upper Hutt finalist groups stood out for the amazing mahi they do to help others in the community and thoroughly deserve recognition for this. Their efforts resonate with our commitment to making a positive difference in the regions we serve. Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”
The recipients of this year’s Civic Awards were Malcom Gillies, John and Judy Harrison and Bill Lindsay.
“The intention of the Civic Awards is to provide recognition for outstanding meritorious tribute of services by our citizens to our Upper Hutt community. We are thankful to many of our citizens who contributed to the betterment and advancement of Upper Hutt,” saysHis Worship Mayor Wayne Guppy.
“These awards are one of my favourite events of the year as they acknowledge the hard work our volunteers do and thank them for their wonderful and selfless contribution to our city. We are incredibly lucky to have them!”
The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards celebrate the heroes in our Upper Hutt community who volunteer in our community to make Upper Hutt a better place for our residents and visitors.
The winners of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards were:
ARTS AND CULTURE
Winner – Every Body is a Treasure
Runner Up – The Hutt Valley Singers
EDUCATION AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Winner – #Hangout – Youth Health and Wellbeing
Runner Up – Te Marua Playcentre
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Winner – Upper Hutt Charitable Housing Trust
Runner Up – Upper Hutt Autism Group
HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT
Winner – Friends of the Mawaihakona Stream
Runner Up – Upper Hutt Repair Café Trust
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Winner – Upper Hutt Rams Rugby Football Club
Runner Up – Upper Hutt Floorball Club
RISING STAR
Winner – #Hangout – Youth Health and Wellbeing
