Friends of the ANZAC Bridge Kaiparoro Inc in the spotlight again

Embargoed media release
Strictly embargoed until 8pm Wednesday 16 September

Friends of the ANZAC Bridge Kaiparoro Incorporated scooped the Supreme Award at the 2015 Trustpower Tararua District Community Awards last night.

The Awards were announced and presented last night (Wednesday 16 September) at the Pahiatua Town Hall in front of almost 130 spectators, the majority of whom are also volunteers.

Representatives of Friends of the ANZAC Bridge Kaiparoro Incorporated received, on behalf of their group, a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 in prize money. These folks also will have the opportunity to represent their region at the 2015 Trustpower National Community Awards, being held in Dunedin next March.

In total, Trustpower gave away over $5,000 to various community groups through the awards last night.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Jess Somerville says that behind this bridge lies a story of a passionate community who truly understand the significance of what it represents.
“The ANZAC Memorial Bridge at Kaiparoro was constructed by muscle available from the returned soldiers of WW1 in 1922 as a war memorial that preserved and honoured the memory of the nine people from this area who gave their lives for their country. It hasn’t always been easily sailing though, with its foundations threatened on more than one occasion.

“In 2006 after noticing it was in need of some TLC, a community conservation group was formed and they breathed some life back into this monument and the surrounding area. Since then, major milestones have included the completion of the walkway and plantings, the mammoth task of gaining a category 1 Historic Place listing, formalising of Conservation and Management Plans and hosting the annual ANZAC Day. Naturally 2015 was of particular significance and was attended by around 230 people; not bad for a small rural community!

“It’s a pretty thankless task heading out to the bridge each year to give it a good scrub and to clear away the weeds let alone the hundreds of hours spent securing its future. This is testament to exactly how high regard the locals hold for this monument”, says Somerville.

Tararua District Mayor Roly Elis says it’s been great to have seen so many organisations put forward for the Awards.

“Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, you are all very worthy winners of this prestigious award”, says Mayor Elis.

The competition for this year’s Awards was strong with a solid 60 entries received.

Category Winners:
Heritage & Environment
Winner: Pongaroa The Way to Go
Runner-up: Pahiatua Railcar Society

Health & Well-Being
Winner: Dannevirke Comm Vehicle Trust
Runner-up: St John Southern Tararua

Arts & Culture
Winner: Te Wananga o Tamaki Nui Rua
Runner-up: Pahiatua Repertory Society

Sport & Leisure
Winner: Eketahuna Swimming Pool Committee
Runner-up: Dannevrke Walk/Cycle Project

Education & Child Youth Development
Winner: Ruahine School Parents for Kids Committee
Runner-up: Pahiatua Toy Library

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