Life Flight stalwart and world-beating barbershop quartet up for APW awards

Lifelong commitments to saving lives and soaring harmonies will be recognised this Wednesday by the Wellington City Council, when community stalwart Bill Day and world-beating barbershop quartet The Musical Island Boys receive Absolutely Positive Wellingtonian Awards.

The awards honour members of the community who have made outstanding contributions to the Capital.

Bill Day was essential to the development and expansion of Life Flight trust, having been involved since 1980 and has seen the service extended to include Air Ambulance services.

He has also served over 24 years as a member of the Rotary club of Port Nicholson (including service as its president) and during his six years at the helm of the New Zealand Community Trust over $250 million was raised and distributed to charities.

“Bill’s service and commitment to the health of Wellington is unparalleled. His ability to balance his professional, charity and personal life is extraordinary and a true example to all of us,” says Mayor Celia Wade-Brown.

The Musical Island Boys of Jeff Hunkin, Will Hunkin, Marcellus Washburn, and Matthew Gifford, and their mentor Charlotte Murray, recently won the gold medal at the International Barbershop Quartet in Las Vegas.

This achievement is the culmination of over a decade of practices, classes and performances – first at Tawa College and then in the wider Wellington community, and now the world.

“The Musical Island Boys are the result of raw talent, hard work and support,” says Mayor Wade-Brown. “Charlotte Murray has been a mentor and friend to the Boys since they began performing together and her wise words have provided a path for their stunning success.”

The presentation of the Absolutely Positive Wellingtonian Award will take place at the beginning of the full Council meeting, due to begin at 1.30pm, Wednesday 27 August at Council’s Committee Room 1, 101 Wakefield Street.

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