Heroes of Nelson commended
Of 191 nominated citizens, eight have emerged as the winners of the triennial Eelco Boswijk Civic Awards.
Nelson City Council honoured 41 individuals and organisations who it believed were working towards a better city at an awards ceremony on Tuesday night.
A particular focus was placed this year recognising those who embodied council’s Nelson 2060 goals of inclusivity, sustainability and vibrancy.
Eight winners were selected in six categories: community hero, community spirit, leadership, smart living, change maker and kaitiakitanga (care for the environment).
Community Hero John-Paul Pochin was awarded for his positive influence on Nelson’s cycling community and his role as a creative force behind Light Nelson since its genesis.
Glenn Bisdee, of charity Keeping Kids Warm, received the Community Spirit award for his work to make sure Nelsonians’ essential needs were met.
Bisdee has given hundreds of blankets, polyprops and heaters to children and families in need since 2013 and this year expanded his scope to more than 30 tonnes of firewood to local homes.
The Leadership award was jointly bestowed upon Forest and Bird worker Debs Martin and businessman Nigel Andrews.
Both encouraged others to follow in their footsteps, Martin in her environmental activism and Andrews by driving his employees to help out local organisations.
Rod and Ngaire Witte received the Smart Living award.
The couple recently held an open home at their Atawhai house, which uses recycled materials, solar panels and rainwater collection, to inspire sustainability among other homeowners.
Natureland director Megan Rutledge was this year’s Change Maker for her leadership of the local zoo, which has seen it partner with the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary on breeding programmes.
The Kaitiakitanga award winner was Ian Price, who was recognised for his tireless championship of the Paremata Flats restoration project.