Community champions recognised
The Porirua Civic and Mayoral awards for 2022 recognised citizens who gave their time and energy in fields such as the environment, children and young people, sport and work during the Covid-19 response.
Council chief executive Wendy Walker said the evening, held recently at Pātaka, was a chance to bring people together who did incredibly positive things to make Porirua a brighter place.
‘‘Many of those given awards are unsung heroes, doing work behind the scenes, and it was amazing to be able to highlight their amazing mahi. Porirua has so many people with talent, heart and a sense of community, coming from all walks of life but with a passion to make our city a wonderful place to live.’’
AWARD WINNERS
■ ArohaMarsh. A board of trusteesmember for Porirua College and Porirua East School, and president of Kapi Mana Netball.
■ CarolynWilliams. Work with Plimmerton Residents Association during the Covid-19 pandemic.
■ Colin Blakeley. Spent 20 years clearing, planting and maintaining a walkway in Tītahi Bay.
■ Eddie Ellison. For his services to sport and recreation, children and young people, older adults and education, and supporting schools and his community.
■ Fiona Perenara. For her work with children and young people, social services, older adults and during the Covid-19 pandemic.
■ Gary Mitchell. For his time with Keep Porirua Beautiful, Sustainable Coastlines and as an honorary fisheries officer
■ Karanga Metekingi. For services to children and young people, social services, cultural activities and older people through years of involvement with the Māori Women’sWelfare League and other community organisations.
■ RoenaMcCarthy. For dedicating her time to children and young people, social services, cultural activities, older people and the arts upholding the mana of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
■ Maria Klinac. For fostering and fundraising for the care of kittens and desexing cats to help our environment
■ Paul Latham. For his involvement in via Ahuru Mowai Charitable Trust and setting up lowsensory sessions for children who have intellectual, behavioural and/ or physical disabilities.
■ Simon Strombom. His countless hours restoring military graves and supporting Tītahi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and City of Porirua Cadet Unit
■ Sue McMillan. Who has organised pyjama packs for children, menstrual care packs for young women and gifts for the elderly at Christmas.
■ Danica Anderson. For keeping her street, drains and surrounding area clear of rubbish for more than 20 years.
■ Mayoral certificates were also presented to Samoa Capital Radio, Caroline Mareko, Dr Larry Jordan, Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa, Liz Makalio, Mike Sceats, Sevia Nua, Tiaki Porirua, Tracy Wellington, VanessaMasoe, Vicki Truyens and Nate Lopa for their efforts during the Covid-19 response, while Dave Robati and Leroy Robati were recognised for their actions to rescue a family during a house fire in Gloucester St earlier this year.