Upper Hutt community groups recognised at Wellington Airport Community Awards

An increase in nominations this year brought an unprecedented number of community groups together for the Wellington Airport Community Awards ceremony for Upper Hutt on 26 August.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 28 AUG 2015— The Upper Hutt awards ceremony for the Wellington Airport Community Awards was held on Wednesday 26 August. 59 nominations saw members of 43 community groups invited to attended the ceremony, hosted by His Worship the Mayor, Wayne Guppy, alongside guest speakers Martin Harrington and Nick Thomas from the Wellington Airport and the Wellington Community Trust respectively.

There were five categories over the arts, youth, health, sport, and heritage areas. The Supreme award on the night went to Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre Volunteers. This group assists with the day-to-day running of the Centre as well as with exhibitions and ushering at over 100 performances each year. Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre’s board is also made up of volunteers who put in a large amount of time and energy to support Expressions Whirinaki as one of the leading arts and entertainment centres in the country.

The new Rising Star award went to St Hilda's Te Kaiawhina I Nga Whanau. This new group is making a big difference in the Timberlea community. The group’s aim is to create meaningful connections that strengthen the lives of children and families, and to provide opportunities that improve local support networks. In a short time, Te Kaiawhina I Nga Whanau has established free breakfasts for children, and run a children’s art and craft expo. They also offer reading support and counselling services to support young people in the area.

“The volume of nominations this year emphasises the importance of these community groups to our city,” says Mayor Wayne Guppy. “These awards recognise the volunteers and community groups around Upper Hutt for all of the hard work they do for us. Each and every one of them contributes a priceless service to the community that often goes under the radar, but this event is one opportunity to thank them for their incredible dedication and passion.”

Category winners on the night were as folllows:

• Arts & Culture: Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre Volunteers (also winning the Supreme Award),

• Education & Child/Youth Development: Upper Hutt Youth Trust,

• Health & Wellbeing: Thumbs up 4 Care,

• Heritage & Environment: Golders Homestead Museum Society,

• Sport & Leisure: Upper Hutt Boot Camp.

The Rising Star and category winners will be invited to the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards at Te Papa in November, where category winners, a Rising Star and a Supreme award for the region will be named.

ENDS

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