‘Tireless’ community contributors recognised at community awards

Shining a light on the often hidden contributions of Hurunui District’s many volunteers, last night’s Hurunui Community Service Awards once again recognised the tireless individuals who give so much to their communities.

Hurunui District Council congratulates the recipients of this year’s awards, including those who received community service awards and those who received heritage and environmental funding.

The recipients were presented with their awards on Thursday 31 July at a ceremony officiated by Mayor Marie Black in the Waikari Hall.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black said: “In a district like ours, where many services, community organisations and clubs run on community generosity, volunteers aren’t just beneficial – they’re vital. These awards are our way of saying thank you.

“This year’s Community Service Award recipients are no strangers to their communities. From protecting their communities as valuable members of volunteer fire brigades, to providing much needed community infrastructure such as the Cheviot Heli pad, to ensuring important community projects get over the line, they are always the first ones to put up their hands,” Mayor Black said.

Community Service Awards:

• Craig Ritchie, Amuri
• Chris Hill, Cheviot
• Mark Archbold, Glenmark
• Joy Wilson, Hanmer Springs
• Jackie Olorenshaw, Hawarden and Waikari
• Barrie Foster, South Ward
• Vicki Foster, South Ward

Hurunui Heritage Fund:

• Historic Hanmer Springs Prison Project - $5,000
  - For the preservation of an accommodation hut for prisoners between 1908 – 1913.
• Amberley Golf Club - $750
  - For the restoration of the grounds around the club.
• The Birdsong Trust - $3,053
  - For site preparation ahead of replanting along the waterway at the site at Scargill Domain
• Blythe Valley Community Catchment Group – $3,455
  - To install an automated trap activation system.
• Jax Lee May - $1,500
  - For planting above the south bank of the Waipara River.
• Northern Pegasus Bay Coastcare Inc. - $492
  - For the purchasing of four traps catering for a wider range of species.

Hurunui Youth Awards

• Youth Volunteer Award – Robert Thompson
• Volunteering for Youth – Ross Williams
• Mayoral Award for Outstanding Youth Leadership – William Munsey

Special Mayoral Business Award:

• Arthur Burke Ltd.

Special Mayoral Community Award:

• Kelly Scanlan.