Ruapehu Citizen of the Year Award recipients’ chosen

The recipients of Ruapehu’s two Citizen Awards have been chosen with the Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award covering National Park, Taumarunui and Ohura going to Peter Panton and the Waimarino-Waiouru Citizen Award going to Bernice Frost.

Ruapehu’s Citizen Awards recognise outstanding contributions made by individuals to their communities by performing voluntary, unpaid work over an extended period of time.

Both Mr. Panton and Mrs. Frost have been active volunteers for many years across a range of organisations and community groups.

Mr. Panton has been recognized for his commitment and work with the Taumarunui Tramping Club, Matapuna Scout Group, Te Peka Reserve Land Care Group, Toastmasters, Ruapehu LandSAR (search and rescue) and the Ruapehu Community Support Trust.

Mrs. Frost received the Waimarino-Waiouru Award for her long service to the Waimarino A and P Association, Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust, Waimarino Art Awards, Waimarino Dressage Group, Forest and Bird Society, the Waimarino Museum Society and as a volunteer worker at the Raetihi Information Centre for over 20 years.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said that both Bernice and Peter were completely surprised but delighted when advised of their success.

“Volunteer workers such as Bernice and Peter provide the backbone of many of the essential community services that we rely on every day,” said Mayor Cameron.

“Without the commitment and dedication of people like them many things we take for granted would cease to function.”

Mayor Cameron added that often these volunteers have worked for years, quietly behind the scenes, doing many of the jobs that provide the supporting fabric to our communities.

“There are so many amazing people undertaking selfless work on behalf of others who are less well off in some way, maybe sick or handicapped, in trouble or danger, or just struggling through a difficult phase of their life.”

“The Ruapehu Citizen Awards are an opportunity to give some of these people the recognition and thanks that they deserve,” he said.

“Both Bernice and Peter are very worthy recipients.”

“The presentation of the Awards will take place at Council meetings in February next year at dates yet to be confirmed.”

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