Double recognition for Waihī Beach volunteering
The hardworking community members and groups of Tauranga and Western Bay were recently showcased to their peers and recognised for their contributions at the Western Bay Community Awards.
Over 300 people gathered at Baycourt to acknowledge the 30 finalists and congratulate the eight winners, all of whom are making significant positive impacts in the Tauranga and Western Bay region.
The Western Bay Community Awards are delivered in partnership with the region’s five local funders, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
“The Community Awards are all about celebrating and recognising the great people whose efforts often go unsung, who put their time and energy into making the Western Bay of Plenty a better place to live,” says TECT Chairperson, Bill Holland.
Waihī Beach’s Melanie Gearon was on stage twice during the awards, first as part of the Live Well Waihī Beach team as they took home the Sustainable Future Award. Later, she returned solo, as the People’s Choice Award Winner.
“There are so many things to enjoy about
volunteering,” says Gearon. “It is just something in your blood. If you’re a volunteer, you just give.”
“It is an opportunity to give back. It is an opportunity to connect with people in all areas of life. Whether it’s Waka Ama, fire, or Live Well Waihī Beach, we can help so
many different people.”
Live Well Waihī Beach is a long-term community-led initiative that has evolved since its development in 2020. Governed by a local steering committee, guiding local kaupapa, recognising the need for a sustainable future. This mahi has forged unique collaborative partnerships not just locally but regionally that have benefited everyone involved. It has provided education and advocacy for the community, businesses, and visitors, sharing the message that we have collective responsibility, which has positively affected people coming forward to volunteer on various projects.
Melanie’s People’s Choice citation reads, “Congratulations to Melanie, who plays a vital role within the Waihī Beach community due to her dedication across multiple volunteer roles for numerous community organisations. Melanie volunteers for the Mayor View Fire Brigade, Live Well Waihī Beach, Sustainable Waihī Beach, Accessible Beach Mats and local Waka Ama groups. She always goes above and beyond for her community and is always looking for ways to connect and support the community more effectively.”
Around 80 nominations were received across six award categories, and more than 1,600 votes were submitted for the People’s Choice Award.
Videos highlighting the efforts of each winner are available on TECT’s Facebook page.