Auckland’s unsung heroes to become Living Legends

Auckland’s unsung heroes will be known as Living Legends when they receive special recognition from the Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard at a council meeting tonight (6pm, Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Auckland Town Hall).

Six Aucklanders will be presented with a certificate and a pohutukawa tree in appreciation of their outstanding contribution to their communities and Auckland city.

They will be the first recipients of the Mayor’s Living Legend award which was instigated by Mayor Hubbard after he discovered there was a lack of formal recognition for those people who go beyond the call of duty and make a difference to the lives of fellow Aucklanders.

“Over the past year, I have been inspired with stories of the good work being done across our city by people from all walks of life,” Mayor Dick Hubbard said. “Many of these people work tirelessly without any recognition for their time, effort and passion.”

The recipients are: Reverend Leuatea Sio – known as father of Pacific communities for his leadership role within the Pacific Island community. Dr Susan Bulmer – renowned for her work in the protection of Auckland’s volcanic cones, particularly Maungawhau. Don McRae – involved in a wide range of community activities including forming the Citizens Advice Bureau, and being a member of the Mt Eden Planning Group and Urban Auckland. Mary Healy – dedicated to providing service to the elderly in the Avondale area. Betty Malcolm – has been doing voluntary work in Onehunga for the past 50 years. For example, distributing food parcels and working with families in Greenlane Hospital. Sylvia Fausett – the founder of the drop-in centre at Tamaki Intermediate School and involved with Barnardos Family Day Care Scheme in Panmure, Ellerslie and Mt Wellington.

Living Legends are selected by the Mayor on the basis of their contribution to growth and industry, feats of heroism, excellent voluntary service, being a champion for local issues or have given funds generously for a cause.

Nominations are received via the community boards. Living Legend awards will be presented three times a year at a council meeting.

The pohutukawa trees have been kindly donated by Project Crimson.

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