Volunteering to inspire a district

Volunteers hold values that distinguish and enrich Hurunui District, yet never seek acknowledgement or recognition for their efforts.

This was an overarching message from this year’s Community Awards Evening, held on Wednesday 24 July at Waipara Memorial Hall.

Mayor Marie Black officiated at the Awards, which recognised exceptional service from volunteers, including those who received community service awards and heritage and environmental funding.

“I am in awe of the talent and achievements we have celebrated here tonight. To all the recipients, congratulations and thank you for inspiring us with all your hard work and dedication.”

Those quietly going about their volunteering ways, those who are preserving the District’s heritage and those who have the environment at the forefront hark from a range of ages and background. Good deeds hold no bounds, and can be expressed through groups, organisations and individuals.

The inaugural Special Mayoral Business Community Service Award was awarded to North Canterbury Veterinary Clinics Ltd. Mayor Black made note of the droughts of 2015 and 2018, the Waiau Earthquake of 2016, and the current challenging conditions faced by farmers and urban people. She said the support from North Canterbury Veterinary Clinics Ltd has always been there.

“It’s about the organisation’s long history in business, animal health and human health.”

Volunteering in Hurunui can start at any age. The Mayoral Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership was awarded jointly to Laura Cundy and Millie Jane McIlraith. High school students based in Hanmer Springs and Hawarden respectively, they have both carved inspirational paths in their chosen sports, school extra curricular activities and leadership roles. Laura is head student at Amuri Area School this year who has excelled in speech competitions and was the driving force behind the HYC formal. Millie Jane is Head Girl in Arts and Culture at Hurunui College and has held significant roles in youth leadership as well as a very established clay target shooter with seven New Zealand placings.

Mayor Black said these young people lead with compassion not ego, and encourage rather than dominate.

“They have a strong moral compass, they will go where this leads them.”

Millie Jane made a special thanks to Hurunui District Council (HYC) for continuously supporting Hurunui Youth Council, during a time where district councils around New Zealand are opting to discontinue this platform.

“At every turn, Council has said our youth input is vital, and we appreciate it,” said Millie Jane.

Both recipients thanked their families and HYC for their ongoing support.

“I am really looking forward to seeing where my future takes me,” said Laura.

The recipient of the Youth Volunteer Award was Danielle Love. The 19 year-old Waipara Resident has been a member of Hato Hone St John since she was 13 and has recently joined the Waipara Volunteer Fire Brigade. Her extensive involvement in community service and leadership recently earned her a spot on the Spirit of Adventure thanks to sponsorship from Kate Valley Trust.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive community,” said Danielle.

The Volunteering for Youth Award went to Bo-Dean (aka Missy), in recognition of her huge commitment to Hurunui Boxing Club, her mentorship with youth, and encouragement of the sport and fitness as a way to combat mental health issues particularly with youth.

“Council wants to commend Missy on her contribution to our young people, and acknowledge all the personal time she puts into serving our youth community, putting us and our wellbeing in the centre of what she does and the connections she fosters,” said HYC member Tamzyn Murdoch who read the citation.

The Special Mayoral Community Service Award was received by Hanmer Springs’ Rosemary Ensor, for her huge contribution over decades to the Hanmer Springs Forest Camp, Plunket, Amuri School Board of Trustees, Hanmer Springs Pony Club, Hanmer Springs Community Board, her strong advocacy for the Hanmer Springs Health Centre, and her ‘amazing memory’ to earn her the role as a local identity of historical data.

Upon receival, Rosemary said she had never set out to do things like this, it just happened. “Thank you to my whole family, and the whole of the Hurunui District, this award should go to all those who have helped me,” said Rosemary.

Community Service Award recipients represented a range of backgrounds. South Ward’s Helen Lodge was acknowledged for her involvement over the years with Amberley Lions’ Club, the Amberley District Community Vehicle Trust, Amberley Returned Services Association, Poppy Day Appeal, Hato Hone St John, cancer support, the Dementia Unit in Amberley, IHC, and the list goes on.

“She always has a twinkle in her eye, and is always willing to help,” said South Ward Councillor Robbie Bruerton who read the citation.

South Ward’s Chris Reeves was recognised for his outstanding dedication and contribution to the community through his role in the Amberley Volunteer Fire Brigade, an integral member for 10 years. He serves on the Management Committee and conceptualised Swim For Hope which was held last summer raising $104,000 for the I Am Hope Foundation.

“His dedication to serving others exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and inspires others to make a positive difference in their communities,” said South Ward Cr Pauline White who read the citation.

Amuri Community’s Graeme Philips was recognised for his philosophy of ‘do what needs to be done, especially if no one else will do it,’ always rolling up his sleeves and getting involved. He has been involved in Waiau Tennis Club, The Lodge to Lodge Half Marathon in Waiau with his wife Karen, dog trialling, the Waiau Reserves Board, community events around the Waiau pig hunt, and the Amuri Community Committee.

“It’s so easy to work in a community like this, with support people give you,” said Graeme.

Cheviot Community’s Lorraine Hansen was recognised for her proactive nature, exemplified by her role as a founding member of the Cheviot Area School Board of Trustees, holding positions on the Student Welfare Committee, Home and School Committee and the school’s Centenary Committee. Playcentre, Cheviot Community Committee, the op shop, ANZAC Committee, Cheviot A&P Committee, the Museum and Historic Society and Cheviot Cancer Support Group have all benefitted from Lorraine’s involvement.

“I can’t operate as a volunteer alone, I’ve always been in a good team,” said Lorraine.

Glenmark’s Julie and Tony Moore have etched themselves into the Waipara community in a positive way which earned them an Award. Coaching children’s sport, their presence on Waipara District Residents’ Association and Glenmark Community Committee, Glenmark Tennis Club, Glenmark Lions Club, Tony 25 years service both on the Waipara Volunteer Fire Brigade and being Santa, and Julie’s membership of Amberley Cancer Society and the Miscarried Mothers’ Group are all examples of the deep care they have for their community.

Hanmer Springs’ Paul Walmsley was acknowledged for many roles in the alpine town, best known for his role as Manager at Hanmer Springs Health Centre working tirelessly to ensure the town is in a strong position when it comes to health needs. He is part of the Community Trust, actively supports the Food Bank, has been a Hato Hone St John volunteer first responder, and during COVID 19 played a massive role in making vaccines available and Hanmer Springs a safe place to be. He has been a pivotal community member in securing a community car for Hanmer Springs.

“Paul works tirelessly and discretely to ensure the facilities in Hanmer Springs are the best they can possibly be,” said West Ward Councillor Tom Davies who read the citation.

Hurunui’s Terry Bamford was acknowledged for his involvement with United Rugby Club, managing rugby teams, his community work to reinstate the Balmoral cricket ground which he still mows twice a year, his active involvement with Waikari Collie Club, local fundraising calf sales, his role as Chair on the Hurunui Racecourse Reserve Advisory Group, his involvement in the Hurunui Race and Gala Day, and Hurunui Medbury Community Committee.

“It’s great to get off the farm and help out,” said Terry.

The MainPower Hurunui Environment Fund is for encouraging and assisting with voluntary work that benefits Hurunui’s natural environment, with a focus on work that protects, restores or reinstates indigenous biodiversity. MainPower and Hurunui District Council contributes $5000 each. Recipients for the Fund for this year were Blythe Valley Catchment Group (to purchase four AT220 automatic traps to assist with further predator control, focusing on possums, rats and stoats); Northern Pegasus Bay Coastcare Inc (to fence and protect an area of Sebaea Ovata, banded dotterel and white fronted tern and to extend the trapping operation which runs north of Ashworths Beach); Puketira Deer Ltd (to fence, spot spray and plant new wetland areas on the Mathews’ restored wetland project, seeds will be eco-sourced and propagated on the farm); Scott Anderson (assist with the current restoration programme of the two streams running through their property, with further plantings and removal of old man’s beard, willow and blackberry.

The Hurunui Heritage Award encourages and assists with voluntary work that protects, enhances, explains or restores significant heritage values of the district, Hurunui District Council makes $5000 available annually for this fund.

This year’s recipient was the Culverden Community Committee, which has undertaken to build a new memorial on Rutherford Reserve in the middle of Culverden Township. This means a safe place to pay their respects to those who have fallen, as the existing War Memorial is situated on State Highway 1. To date, the Committee has raised $154,000 towards the project.

The Community Awards Evening is a highlight of Mayor Black’s year, seen as an opportunity to celebrate and recognise so many efforts around the district.

“We all firmly believe your hard work and exceptional service to make our district a better place is worthy of recognition, you make Hurunui a great place to work, live and play.”

Mayor Black wanted to make a special thank you to the Waipara School students who opened the Evening with a karakia and waiata, and the parents of the school who hosted the closing supper.