3 April 2019
The Waiohine Action Group took home the supreme ‘South Wairarapa Citizen of the Year’ Award at Monday night’s Civic Awards, held at the Waihinga Centre in Martinborough. The Group also won the Environmental Award in recognition of their community contribution to the Waiohine River Flood Management Plan.
South Wairarapa Mayor Viv Napier said the impressive number of nominees was testament to a “caring and talented district”.
Congratulations, to WAG, and all the category winners listed below, as well as all those who were nominated. You are all commended for your significant contribution to the well-being of the South Wairarapa Community
Category Award winners:
Community Service Award (Group)
Two Community Groups in equal measure met the criteria of a voluntary organisation that carries out service or work of a substantial (either length of time or intensity of service) nature benefiting the South Wairarapa and/or its people:
- The Greytown Menz Shed, for completing countless projects for the community and creating a warm and welcoming environment with enormous social benefits, reducing isolation in the community.
- Featherston’s Own Charitable Trust, for running a shop selling donated goods, giving profits back into the community to benefit a wide range of groups, programs and individuals including the local Food Bank, Schools, Kids programs and Health initiatives.
Community Service Award (Individual)
- Maree Roy, for always being happy to help. She is an active member and Past President of the local Red Cross; she co-ordinates and delivers Meals on Wheels, is on the committee that runs the Rose and Flower Show, is a Course Leader and Convenor for the University of the Third Age and she was part of the original steering committee for the Martinborough Music Festival.
Young Achiever Award
For any person up to the age of 24 years who has been selected to represent New Zealand in a sport, cultural or academic field or has shown outstanding skill or leadership while representing a school or club at a major regional sports, cultural or academic competition/event.
- Alexander J Southey, for being an incredibly talented and outstanding young person. As well as his contribution to Arts and Culture in the South Wairarapa and his achievements in this field, he was Kuranui College Deputy Dux in 2018 awarded for Major Contribution to the School. He has also served as the Student Representative on the Greytown Community Board, making contributions on youth initiatives and wider community and funding issues.
Services to the Environment Award
For a person, group or an organisation that has led the way in caring for/or enhancing the environment.
- Waiohine Action Group, for their community contribution to the Waiohine River Flood Management Plan. The Group and the project they are undertaking were described as revolutionary by Greater Wellington Regional Council placing the community in charge of the River and Flood Plan for the Waiohine River, after the community rejected the Regional Council’s Plan.
Sport Award
For a person or a team who have gained a significant success or excelled in terms of sporting achievement, bringing credit to the South Wairarapa e.g. represented their country at sport or served the sporting community.
- The Featherson Wrestling Club, for competing successfully at a national level in 2018. In 2018 the club had successful nominations and finalists in the Māori Sports Awards as well as the Wairarapa Times Age Sports Awards. In 2018 the club had a female national champion at the Under 10’s level and a male national champion at the 12 to 14 level. The Club itself won the National accolade for Best Presented Club as well as winning the 10-13-year grade nationally.
Arts and Culture Award
For a person, group or organisation with an outstanding achievement in the arts.
- Featherston Camp Sculpture Trust, for raising $600,000 for the installation of the sculpture that commemorates the Featherston Military Training Camp. The dream of the late Dr Bernard Jervis was to have an installation in Featherston to acknowledge the inextricable links between the history of Featherston, the Greater Wairarapa and the Camp where over 60,000 soldiers trained in World War 1.