Voluntary Workers Get Recognised

Twenty people and organisations who give their time and skills for the good of the community have been officially recognised by the city they serve.

The 2003 North Shore City Civic Awards were presented to 17 individuals, a park society, a community service organisation and a property developer at a special ceremony yesterday (December 3).

Mayor George Wood says the awards are the city's way of thanking and acknowledging those who do great work for their community and help to make North Shore City a great place to live and work.

"We recognise outstanding people and achievements; their hard work and the many hours they give - freely to serve others in their community. We join with the world, as volunteers are recognised by their communities this Friday, December 5 on United Nations' International Volunteer Day," Mr Wood says.

The North Shore City Civic awards scheme features six categories: community (individuals); citywide; youth; charities; businesses; and community groups.

While the city's six community boards selected the recipients of the community awards, the judging panel for the other categories included the editors of local newspapers, the North Shore Times Advertiser and The Aucklander, together with Mr Wood and deputy mayor, Dianne Hale.

George Wood says contributions to the community were, as always, wide and varied, including Red Cross, the Scouting and Girl Guides movements, provision of budgeting services to people in financial difficulties, and support for new residents.

Of particular interest this year are:

* The second award in the youth category goes to teenager Bob Annemans in recognition of his contribution to Glenfield community activities for the past nine years. He has helped run the "Fun in
Parks" summer programme.

* Support for North Harbour sports organisations, North Shore Hospice, North Harbour Charitable Trust and sponsoring other community facilities including the basketball court at Sunnynook has earned Jonmer Projects Ltd the award in the Commercial (business) Organisation category.

* Recognition for the Long Bay-Okura Great Park Society chaired by David Gatward. This group has been around since 1996, "to promote the creation of a Great Park on the North Shore area of Greater Auckland as a major extension of the present Long Bay Regional Park", and has 1,500 members. North Shore City Council paid $22.5 m last year for 38.5 hectares next to the Long Bay Regional Park to safeguard this area's marine reserve and to address our city's long-term recreational and open space needs.

ENDS

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