Feilding principal honoured

A crowd of more than 600 were brought to their feet as a dedicated Feilding principal was honoured for his long-standing association with a Manawatu¯ school.

Manchester St School’s Rex Wheeler took home the dedicated service award at the Feilding and District Excellence in Business Awards on Saturday.

Wheeler’s association with the Feilding school started more than 16 years ago and judges praised him for his ‘‘incredible’’ leadership.

Wheeler had developed the enviroschool into an ‘‘inclusive’’ and ‘‘outstanding’’ learning environment, the judges said.

Wheeler sung the praise of his staff, saying there was only so much an individual could do. ‘‘It’s been a real pleasure.’’

Hosted by television personality Suzanne Paul, and actors Blair Strang and Will Hall, the night celebrated the small businesses that create the ‘‘beautiful’’ atmosphere Feilding has become known for.

Amayjen Restaurant owners Jenni and Andrew May capped off a stellar year with three awards hospitality business of the year, emerging star and a Manawatu¯ District Council tall giraffe award.

The couple’s vision to transform a humble tyre shop in Fergusson St into a multi-award winning restaurant with an international reputation for fine dining and exceptional service was no small feat, mayor Helen Worboys said.

The restaurant took out the 2017 Plate of Origin, was a top 12 finalist in the Silver Fern Farms competition and was the only Manawatu¯ restaurant in Cuisine Magazine’s top 100 list.

‘‘Amayjen’s trophy cabinet is filling fast, as are their bookings no doubt,’’ Worboys said.

The night’s supreme award was taken out by Wiseman Panelbeaters, which also won the motor trade prize.

The younger generation were also surprised by a visit from Willie Cribb, aka William Waiirua.

The social media personality took out the other tall giraffe award after creating a brand gaining more than 50,000 followers and front a voting campaign for the 2017 election.

Cribb moved to Feilding when he was 10 and said he was humbled by his following.