Voluntary services recognised

Three Manawatu¯ people have been recognised for their services to arts, music and services to youth and the elderly.

The Civic Honour Awards, presented by Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith last night, are the city’s highest recognition for voluntary services.

Junne Bendall has helped bring flair to Palmerston North’s city centre with art.

She chaired the Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust from 2006 to 2017.

It raised funds for nine sculptures in the city centre.

She has now retired.

Bendall said the sculptures helped lift the city and they were a talking point.

‘‘They are a form of art that is available to everybody.

‘‘They just add a bit of vibrancy to the area they are in,’’ Bendall said.

In 1973, Bendall also became one of the first trustees of the Centrepoint Theatre, which contributed to the city’s arts and culture sector.

Another volunteer in the arts sector was recognised for his service to the Manawatu¯ International Jazz and Blues Festival and Manawatu¯ Jazz Club.

Dr David Edge said receiving the honours for something he enjoyed doing was amazing.

Edge has helped organise the jazz festival on Queen’s Birthday Weekend since 1993.

His reward was meeting and listening to the fantastic musicians, he said.

‘‘If you are interested in something, you want to give something back. You want to try and help.’’

Lyal Brenton received an award for his services to young people, those in need and the elderly.

Brenton has been part of the Takaro Rotary club since 1994, hosts international exchange students and dresses up as Santa at retirement homes, Christmas parades and at Te Manawa.

‘‘It just gives me a chance to spread cheer to people who might not otherwise have it,’’ Brenton said.

Smith said the award recipients went above and beyond for the community.