Honours for good citizens

Foxton Beach water warrior Christina Paton is one of four Horowhenua residents to be presented with civic honours awards.

Paton has been ‘‘a fierce and devoted public servant’’ for about 20 years, her dissertation said.

‘‘Well known for her stance on water rights, Christina has been a strong advocate for keeping our waterways clean, removing waste and effluent from the rivers and particularly looking at how to restore the Manawatu¯ River to a point where citizens can be proud of their surroundings.’’

Tony Strawbridge was honoured for his work as a member of the Waita¯ rere Beach community and service on the Progressive and Ratepayers Association.

Gerald de Castro is the vice president and past president of the Horowhenua-ka¯ piti Cricket Association and has also volunteered extensively for the Horowhenua-ka¯piti Rugby Football Union, which nominated him for the grassroots rugby heroes’ competition.

Levin and Districts Senior Citizens Association vice president Allan Little was the first legally blind person to qualify as a community nurse in New Zealand. He volunteers his time on several forums.

A mayoral award was presented to the Horowhenua Special Olympics Committee.

Certificates of recognition went to the late Rose Thompson, Lew Rohloff, Mel Chandler, Margaret Williams, Sidney Anderson.

The $250 Horowhenua Youth Excellence Scholarships were awarded to several winners, including Samantha Hansen (sport), Fraser Bartholomew (sport), Meghan Davenport (academia), Joshua Young (academia), Carly Christensen (academia), Viliami Mohi (art and culture), Tessa Paulin (art and culture), Hannah Wedlock (art and culture), Emily Anderson (community service), James Atkinson (community service), Emily Schleuss (community service), and Josiah Tavita-metcalfe (sport).