18 July 2016

Dedication of local volunteers celebrated

The dedication of Lower Hutt’s community group volunteers was celebrated with the announcement of the Hutt City Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace says recognising volunteers in this way is a fantastic acknowledgment of the contribution they make to the city.

“Our local community group volunteers are passionate about their community, about people, the environment and making a positive difference. It’s important we acknowledge just how important their work is to our city and how much we appreciate the contribution they make.

Wellington Airport CEO Steve Sanderson says “We are proud to celebrate the contribution community group volunteers with the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards each year.

“Congratulations to all the winners from Lower Hutt, especially Supreme Winner Friends of Horoeka Scenic Reserve. We were impressed by many thousands of volunteer hours dedicated to restoring this important reserve area for the community and future generations to enjoy."

Supreme Winner

Winner - Friends of Horoeka Scenic Reserve

Arts & Culture category

Winner - Shapeshifter Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition - Rotary Club of Hutt City

Runner Up – Taiohi Morehu

Education & Child Youth Development category

Winner - Boys To Great Men

Runner Up - Tihei Rangatahi

Health & Well-Being category

Winner – Victory Christian Centre - Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre

Runner Up - Greenstone Doors Charitable Trust

Heritage & Environment category

Winner - Friends of Horoeka Scenic Reserve

Runner Up - Hutt Valley Cook Islands Association Inc

Sport & Leisure category

Winner - NZRt18 Hutt City Response team

Runner Up - Hikoikoi Waka Ama Club

Rising Star Award

Winner - Naenae Fruit & Vege Co-op

Runner Up - Sport Wainuiomata Inc

The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, held in partnership with Wellington Community Trust and the five local councils, recognise the valuable contribution of volunteers to community groups across the Wellington Region.

The council region winners move through to the regional finals hosted by Wellington Airport in September.

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