Council honours three Absolutely Positive Wellingtonians
28 May 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
Council honours three Absolutely Positive Wellingtonians
Three social entrepreneurs who embraced the opportunities of virtual connectivity to create real-life connections will be honoured by the Wellington City Council.
Linc Gasking, Roy Hoogmoed and Silvia Zuur will all receive Absolutely Positive Wellingtonian awards at tomorrow evening’s full meeting of the Council. Absolutely Positive Wellingtonian Awards honour members of the community who have made outstanding contributions to the Capital.
The awards will take place at the beginning of the Council meeting, 5.30pm 29 May 2013 at the Wellington City Council Chambers, Level 1, Wellington Town Hall, Wakefield St.
In what’s believed to a first for a full Wellington City Council meeting, Linc Gaskin will appear via Skype from the US where he is currently visiting for the United States - New Zealand Pacific Partnership Forum. Roy and Silvia will receive their awards in person.
Linc Gasking and Roy Hoogmoed started Adventure Wellington in September 2008 as a way for Wellingtonians ‘to get yourself offline and into adventurous activities in and around Wellington City’.
The organisation has been valuable for Wellingtonians, especially new migrants to the Capital, to make connections and meet new friends while enjoying the many activities Wellington has to offer.
Silvia Zuur and Linc have since teamed up to create Chalkle°, an online forum for people to exchange knowledge and meet new people.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the three recipients of the APW award will be honoured for their contributions to helping make Wellington a more connected, resilient and people-centred city.
“Linc, Silvia and Roy have used new technologies and virtual connectivity to build real life connections,” she says. “Newcomers and long-term residents alike have met new friends, put down roots and become passionate about Wellington.
“Adventure Wellington and Chalkle° are smart organisations that use new technology to build communities and create connections. These are the types of enterprises that Wellington is best at fostering and is looking for more of.”
ENDS