People worth recognition
I had the pleasure of recently attending the NZ Fire Service Fire Region 2 Celebrating Success Awards.
The awards recognise NZ Fire Service teams and individuals who have made extraordinary personal sacrifice to the fire service. Senior Fire-fighter Karen Muir of the Morrinsville Volunteer Fire Brigade took out the Risk Reduction Award and the overall Supreme Award for her work promoting fire safety throughout the community especially within our Tasman Village and local schools.
Earlier this month I was invited by Te Aroha Rotary to a dedication service of two seats in the garden outside the Te Aroha Library. The seats are in the memory of Rotarians Len Bootten and Theo van der Lee. I spoke at the service about the community work of the two men. The seats were dedicated by Rev Jason Grainger.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, I attended the Armistice Day service at the Morrinsville RSA.
At the service I spoke about remembering and reflecting on the service of our soldiers and their sacrifice during the World War I, as well as reflecting on the loss our community felt during this time and going forward.
Ronin Cooper from David Street School who is 11 years old also wrote and delivered a thought provoking poem at the service.
What a success the Walk ‘n’ Wheels event was in Matamata on November 19. Over 400 people walked, ran or rode 3kms to support the anti-family violence stance.
I amhonoured to have been recently elected as the chair of the Provincial Sector of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and to also be elected to the LGNZ National Council.
The National Council is the elected leadership of LGNZ made up of 14 mayors from around New Zealand.