So many Taranaki taonga
For 10 years the Taranaki Daily News has celebrated its Person of the Year.
The winners and those nominated are so often those people in this province who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Taranaki like no other.
The winners have traditionally been people who have been in the news during the past year, but for the 10th anniversary we opened nominations up to the public, so the community could have its say.
We were inundated with nominations for many inspiring people.
It was overwhelming to see how many people are doing amazing things. However, there can only be five nominees and so we could not choose them all, as much as we wanted.
Below are a few of the inspiring people who were nominated but did not make the final five, as much as they deserved to.
Jessica Dunlop was just one of the many people who nominated Tina Thompson-Dockery.
‘‘Tina Thompson-Dockery does an amazing job organising, managing, coaching and supporting a number of sports teams.
‘‘She gives everything her heart and is a real taonga to Ha¯wera Primary School.’’
Kelly Langton was also one of many who nominated Sarah Silver,
the tireless volunteer for the Little Fighters Trust, supporting Taranaki children affected by life threatening illness.
‘‘But Sarah is more than just a bleeding heart. Because of her intelligence, pragmatism and passion the Little Fighters Trust has grown from a great idea to a thriving charity able to provide practical support to a large number of families.’’
Michelle Ramage who started Roderique Hope Trust, The Gift, and is involved with Operation Blue Santa, was working 60 hours a week before Christmas getting presents to kids who otherwise wouldn’t get any. She received too many nominations to count.
Niki Shewry said: ‘‘Michelle is a totally selfless and driven individual who throws herself into supporting the community and individual needs 24/7. This woman is a wonder.’’
Stacey Gibson nominated Nesha Thompson for the amazing job she did with Cherish Your Memories – Angel Castings. ‘‘She has been doing this free service for two years. Not only does she offer this free service but she does amazing 3D castings and goes out of her way to help those that can’t really afford it.’’
Max O’Leary was one of the people who nominated Terry Long for all he does with the Mellowpuff Charitable Trust.
‘‘So many people in need have been helped by this trust and by Terry in person. He gives everything of himself to help people in need and so many have benefited from this,’’ O’Leary said.
Dinnie Moeahu received a number of nominations including one from Shellene Remihana who said Moeahu was an awesome inspiration for anybody wanting to push themselves through the boundaries and strive for a better self. ‘‘He is a great leader in the Ma¯ori community demonstrating empowerment, self belief and a can do attitude.’’
Thank you for all your nominations. Each one of them is a Taranaki taonga.