Lower Hutt’s dedicated volunteers took centre stage last night at a special event recognising their invaluable contributions.

The 2025 Volunteer Awards brought together recipients of this year’s Civic Honours and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

Mayor Campbell Barry said the evening was a chance to pause and shine a light on the years of service and selflessness the winners have given, often without ever expecting anything in return.

"These people have given their time, energy and heart to make life better for others."

Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Hutt City over the previous 12 months.

"These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community," he said.

"Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year."

Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards - Lower Hutt Winners:

• Art & Culture - Arohanui Strings+
• Education & Child/Youth Development - Tūhura Tech
• Health & Wellbeing - Friends of the Emergency Department (FED) - Hato Hone St John
• Heritage & Environment - Forest & Bird Lower Hutt Branch
• Sport & Leisure - Hutt Valley Saints Softball Club
• Rising Star - Foundation for Equity and Research New Zealand
• Supreme - Tūhura Tech

Civic Honours Recipients:

• Braden Longstaff - Youth Services
• Madeleine Wilson - Youth Services
• Daniel Gamboa - Youth Activities
• Grant Rutherford - Health & Wellbeing and Community Service
• Debbie Kelly - Health & Wellbeing
• Haimana (Si) Hirini - Cultural Affairs
• Pam Cromarty - Environmental

Mayor Barry also acknowledged the friends and whānau who stand behind each volunteer.

"Volunteering doesn’t happen in isolation. The people we recognised last night are supported by others - family, friends, and communities who share in the work and its impact."

The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards are run in partnership with Hutt City Council and recognise the work of local community organisations. Civic Honours are awarded by Council to individuals who have made long-standing voluntary contributions to the city.

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