Hon Jo Goodhew

Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector

18 June 2014

Media Statement
New awards recognise the Capital’s volunteers

Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Jo Goodhew has congratulated the winners at Volunteer Wellington’s inaugural Employee Volunteering Awards.

The awards ceremony was held last night on Wellington’s waterfront, and was a highlight on the National Volunteer Week calendar.

“These Awards are our chance to thank businesses and their employees for their generous contribution to the Wellington community,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“Congratulation to the winners of the five different categories. A special mention to Helen Whitcombe from Transpower who took home the award for Employee Volunteer Champion, and to Steve Wilson from Asert-Tatou Development Trust who was named Community Employee Champion.”

At the event, Mrs Goodhew took the opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of the 50 business teams that participated in this year’s Nikau Foundation Corporate Challenge.

The teams are on track to complete more than 50 different projects as part of the Challenge, which started in February and runs until the end of this month.

“I acknowledge the Nikau Foundation for their continued support of Volunteer Wellington and the Corporate Challenge, businesses, community groups and of course, the volunteers themselves,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“By stepping out of the office to help in the community, employees can develop new relationships, skills and insights that can enrich their own lives and be brought back into the workplace.”

“They all play an important part in creating the safe and inclusive communities that make Wellington a great place to live.”

ENDS

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