Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko was proud to host the Mahi Aroha Awards 2025, a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of volunteers across the Wellington region.

The Mahi Aroha Awards shine a light on the people who generously give their time, skills, and passion to strengthen our communities. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise and honour the outstanding efforts of volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of others.

This year, nominations were received from over 60 individuals and volunteer teams, representing a wide range of community organisations. The stories of these volunteers reflect the dedication, care, and aroha that are woven into the fabric of our community.

The 2025 Award Categories:

• Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award
• Youth Volunteer Award
• Volunteer Team Award
• Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award

Congratulations to all our finalists and award recipients for 2025:

Greater Wellington Te Ao Māori Award

• Winner: Dallas Vincent – Petone Rugby League Club
• Runner-up: Rikihana (Wiki) Samuel – Whānau Family Services

Aspiring Walls Youth Volunteer Award

• Winner: Maverick Armanini – EveryBody is a Treasure
• Runner-up: Hamish Jamieson – YMCA Central Inc.

Volunteer Team Award

• Winner: Quick Kai team – Te Whare Hapori o Ngā Puna Waiora / Newtown Community Centre
• Runner-up: Take10 Support Zone team – Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust
• Highly Commended: Ageing Well Coffee Group Support Team – Wesley Community Action
• Highly Commended: Voice of Aroha team

Mitre 10 MEGA Volunteer of the Year Award

• Winner: Murray Gillon – Mary Potter Hospice
• Joint Runners-up: Manjit Grewal – Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust
  & Patrick Harlow – Youth Inspire

These awards are held during National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration of volunteering across Aotearoa. The Mahi Aroha Awards highlight the deep spirit of generosity that drives positive change in our region. Guests were entertained by our Matariki storyteller, Moria Wairama with music by Morehu Wairama. The guest speaker Dr Katie Bruce delivered a thoughtful and moving poem to volunteers Whiria te Tangata – Weaving the People Together.

Volunteer Wellington | Te Puna Tautoko extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate a volunteer and to all those who continue to make Wellington a better place through their mahi aroha.

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