Taranaki’s local heroes recognised
The region’s community heroes were celebrated at an awards ceremony in New Plymouth last night. As part of the 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 21 Kiwibank local heroes were presented with specially made medals at a function at the Devon Hotel.
Deputy mayor Richard Jordan attended the ceremony and said each recipient embodied the qualities, like charity, selflessness and humble generosity, that held a community together.
‘‘Each and every award winner tonight embodies the priceless qualities that hold a community together. It was their charity, selflessness and humble generosity that shone bright as we heard each local hero speak about their achievements in our community.
‘‘It’s for that very reason I stand with them all tonight, to acknowledge the hard work they’ve each put into this community that has truly made Taranaki the place it is today,’’ he said.
Now in its eleventh year, the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards are New Zealand’s premier community awards and throughout November and December, 326 medals will be presented nationwide with one New Zealand Local Hero of the Year winner announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala on February 20, 2020.
Awards for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years),
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year (70 years and over), Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year and Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year will also be given out at the gala event.
The Kiwibank Local Heroes for Taranaki were:
Piers Duncan : For co-founder of START, a youth intervention programme.
Gary Topping : For setting up a free community gym in his home, which has been running for decades.
Suzanne Hardwick Smith : For her work at treasurer and chair of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust
Anne Smith and Ross Smith : For their service to Taranaki Cathedral of St Mary
Alison Rumball : For 10 years of service to the Taranaki Cancer Society, as vice president and president.
Helen Johnson : For 17 years of volunteer service to Taranaki Red Cross.
Colin Kelsen and Shirley Kelsen: For 15 years of involvement with Hearing Dogs New Zealand.
Tim Coleman : For his pro bono work who as a solicitor, service as trustee for Hospice Taranaki and Spotswood College Alumni, his service to Shorinji Kempo Martial Arts Club where he teaches martial arts classes each week and donates the proceeds to the Taranaki Retreat.
John Evans For being team leader of the recently established Taranaki Red Cross Community Relief Team
David Chadfield : For being a New Plymouth icon and owner of the ‘Chaddy’s Charters’ tourist attraction.
Evan Davies : For encouraging his New Plymouth Boys’ High School students into humanitarian work via Smile Box, a project which saw students put together boxes full of items for children in Vanuatu affected by Cyclone Pam.
Sarah Foy : For her service to the Taranaki Computer Access Centre Trust and as a the Dean’s Warden for the Taranaki Cathedral.
Lindsay Thomson : For his services to the Taranaki Rugby Football Union.
Hamuora Kinera : For his volunteer work with the Country and Western Club, the local RSA and the Merchant Navy.
Philip Marchant : For his work with the New Plymouth Community Foodbank Trust for several years.
Leanne Blakelock : For her service to the Inglewood Rotary Club, as a trustee for the Taranaki Retreat, treasurer for Volunteering New Plymouth, as a board member of Vertical Horizon and her support of the Kai Kitchen, Kai & Aroha, Take a Meal and the Inglewood Community Fridge.
Stephanie Murray : For her support of the Roderique Hope Emergency Housing Trust, including raising $55,000 in the last three years.
Celine Filbee : For her work as manager of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust.
Noeline McCready : For her work volunteering for the Taranaki Red Cross.