3 September 2013

Wellington’s safety heroes up for accolades

Sodden cops, a surfer-cum-lifesaver, safety-minded citizens, quick-thinking cousins and a women who has devoted a half century to teaching Wellingtonians to swim are among Capital residents who will be honoured for going above-and-beyond to help keep their fellow Wellingtonians safe.

The ninth annual Wellington Safety in the City Awards will be held 5.30pm Wednesday 4 September at the St James Theatre Gallery, Courtenay Place. Please note, this venue has changed from the previously-stated Council Chambers.

The community awards recognise deserving recipients – people who were in the right place at the right time to save lives or who have worked tirelessly, often with little recognition, to keep Wellington and Wellingtonians safe.

This year’s nominations include a police officer and a surfer who joined forces in pounding surf to rescue a man washed off the rocks in Lyall Bay, volunteer CCTV eagle-eyes, brave neighbours fighting fires with garden hoses, strangers saving strangers in the sea, a 50-year dedication to helping kiwis be confident in the water, and the couple who helped an elderly woman to safety during the June storm.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown will be joined by Wellington Police Area Commander Inspector Chris Scahill to present the awards. The event will be hosted by Councillor Stephanie Cook, Social portfolio leader.

Last year’s winners included people who faced extreme danger in high-profile tragedies and near-misses, such as the Cuba Mall fire-bomb protest, the Strathmore neighbours who intervened in a murder, and those who dedicated their lives to cycle safety and supporting vulnerable youth.

Details for the award recipients, such as their localities, reasons for nominations, their citations and contact details are available on request for media, embargoed to the awards ceremony Wednesday September 4.

Safety in the City Awards
5.30pm Wednesday 4 September
St James Theatre Gallery
Courtenay Place, Wellington City

ENDS

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