Wellingtonians step up for their communities
The character shown by Wellington’s Muslim community in response to the Christchurch mosque massacres has played a large part in this year’s Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian (APW) awards.
Four members of the Muslim community have been acknowledged in the awards, three of them - Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi - in a joint award for their leadership.
“They went out of their way to promote understanding at a difficult time,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. “The Kilbirnie mosque’s open day was brought forward several months to enable the Muslim community to show its appreciation to Wellingtonians.
“The Muslim community’s reaction to the Christchurch shootings, as epitomised by its leadership, provided an example of understanding and harmony that was noted throughout the world.”
Ibrahim Omer, the chair of ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, also became an APW winner.
“Following the Christchurch shootings, Ibrahim represented his community on the world stage,” the Mayor says. “He organised vigils, connected with Muslim refugee communities across the country, gave media interviews to international media and much more.”
Ibrahim, came to New Zealand from Sudan in 2010 after escaping an oppressive regime in Eritrea and started work in Wellington as a cleaner. He has also been a campaigner for the Living Wage movement, is a union organiser, and is a community representative on Newtown Union Health Service Board.
The other winners’ contributions to the community took many forms, including years of service to their communities, mental health causes, special projects and excelling in their chosen field.
“A city is set apart by its people. We wouldn’t be the special place we are today without the generosity and open hearts of many in their communities,” the Mayor says. “These awards are about acknowledging those who selflessly give so much – people who volunteer their time and effort, and go above and beyond to make our city a better place.”
2019 APW
winners:
Barbara Mulligan
In November
2016, Barbara Mulligan instigated a project to mark the
impact on Wellington of the 1918 influenza pandemic and some
of those who died in November and December that year. She
organised the cleaning of the gravesites in Karori Cemetery
of some of the 740 who died between October and December
1918. At least 50 volunteers were involved in the clean-up,
which took place from 2016 to 2018.
Bruce
and Dawn Patterson
Bruce and Dawn Patterson have
been champions of Grenada Village since moving there in
1988. Bruce has served on the Grenada Village Community
Association Committee for 27 years, nearly all that time as
chairman. Dawn has been on the committee for 28 years.
Greg Hyland
Greg Hyland has been an
active volunteer and advocate for the Wadestown and Highland
Park community. Since 2011 he has been a Highland Park
Progressive Association (HPPA) Committee member, and its
president from 2013 to 2018. He represents the HPPA and
works closely with city officials on a project to conserve
the local historical site - Fort Buckley.
Jason Te Patu
Jason Te Patu is a
tireless advocate for mental health and well-being, using
his skills as a yoga teacher, mindfulness and meditation
instructor. Originally from Whanganui, Jason is of Ngāti
Apa, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent. He has
represented New Zealand in springboard diving, aerobics and
gymnastics, as well as pursuing a career in performance.
Melanie Heaphy
Melanie Heaphy is an
icon in Island Bay where she lives with her husband Devon
and their three children. Melanie has a long history of
community work. As a teenager, through Girls’ Brigade,
she did her Duke of Edinburgh and Girls’ Brigade Queen’s
Award, which included community service at Kilmarnock Rest
home in Island Bay, and running groups of Girls’ Brigade
kids.
Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam
Nizam ul Haq Thanvi
Wellington was fortunate
that its Muslim community showed strong and level-headed
leadership in the wake of the tragic Christchurch mosque
shootings, in which 51 people died. Emotions were raw after
the events in Christchurch, but throughout the country the
reaction of the Muslim community leadership provided a
shining example of unity and understanding, rather than
finger pointing.
Ngarangi
Pritchard
Ask any Wellington Māori māmā
who’s had a baby in the past four decades who their
midwife was, and chances are they’ll say Ngarangi
Pritchard. Ngarangi, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngati Porou
and Rongowhakaata descent, is one of Wellington’s most
experienced, trusted and loved midwives. Her nursing and
midwifery career has spanned more than 40 years and she has
been instrumental in supporting Māori and Pasifika families
to be confident as new parents.
Ray
Henwood
Multi-talented actor Ray Henwood has
been a mainstay of Wellington’s theatrical scene since the
mid-1960s. Originally from Wales, Ray moved to Wellington
in 1962, aged 24. However it was not to work an actor, but
to teach maths and science at Mana College. He then worked
as a forensic toxicologist at the Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research. While there he was partly
responsible for the introduction of the breathalyser to New
Zealand.
Susan Price
Susan Price
made headlines this year when she gave away a landmark
property that she and her parents had lovingly restored.
Chevening, an apartment block at 90 Salamanca Road, Kelburn,
was designed in 1929 by Llewellyn Williams, who also planned
the Embassy Theatre. The neglected building, desperately in
need of care, was bought by the Price family in 1979.
Warren Dion Smith
Hair, makeup and
special effects artist Warren Dion Smith exudes talent and
flair. Warren emerged from Waikato, where he was recognised
early on by the Māori King Tūheitia Paki as a talented
artist. He has really established himself in Wellington,
where he has dominated as the pre-eminent hairstyle artist
over the past 10 years, winning a succession of national and
major regional
titles.