Waitakere’s unsung heroes receive recognition

Twenty-five Waitakere good sorts were recognised at the annual Waitakere City Community Boards’ ‘Unsung Hero Awards’.

The awards give locals the chance to celebrate and honour those who have done something worthwhile in their community.

“Every year we see the biggest hearts in Waitakere, those committed Westies who give themselves to make life better for others by sharing their time, skills and passion with the community,” says selection committee chair and Henderson Community Board member, Shirley Savage.

“Nominations this year were of the highest calibre and it was a privilege for board members to meet and congratulate award recipients.”

Winners are chosen from the four wards, Henderson, Massey, New Lynn and Waitakere.

Six people also received citywide awards in recognition that the work they do benefits the Waitakere region.

The work by these volunteers covers a range of community activities from cub scouts and theatre groups to animal and environment protection advocates.

Citywide award recipients were:
Kylie Hill for her work with Special Olympics Waitakere.
Joan Gaskell for her involvement with Parent Aid Waitakere, Massey and Glen Eden Toastmistriss Clubs and Henderson Ladies’ Probus.
June Henderson for her community projects including War on Weeds, Welcome to Titirangi and raising funds for possum eradication.
Betty Carter for her work with The Titirangi Women’s Institute since 1971, the Institutes Hall, for teaching children how to knit and her knitting for Waitakere Hospital.
Phillip Bennet for his work with the elderly and special needs children, raising funds for Starship and his services as a guide dog trainer.
Raewyn Taylor for her services to animals over several years through the Lonely Miaow and Raewyn’s Rescues.

Henderson Ward recipients:
Margaret Carnie, Ian Henry, Mihi Te Huia, Linda Chan and Lynn Cullington.

New Lynn Ward recipients:
Jeff Percival, Greg Presland, Bev Dixon and Bruce Woodcock.

Massey Ward recipients:
Graeme Barnard, Karen Perri, Bruce Barnes, Kay Dwyer and Cherie Palmer.

Waitakere Ward recipients:
Margot Trocchi, Peter King, David Leaky, Patricia Anderson and Mike Carter.

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