Project Jonah Takes Top Award

Project Jonah has won the Supreme Award at the 2017 Trustpower Nelson Tasman Community Awards.

The Awards were announced and presented last night (Monday 26 June) at a function at Seifried Estate Winery.

For winning the Supreme Award, Project Jonah received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. Project Jonah now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2017 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Queenstown Lakes District in April 2018.

In total, Trustpower has given away over $6,000 to various community groups through last night’s Awards.

Trustpower Community Relations Representative Emily Beaton says Project Jonah is made up of volunteers who are everyday Kiwis. They are the strength of the organisation.

“Without volunteers, Project Jonah is just two people sitting in an office. Volunteers are the ambassadors in the community, sharing and educating people on how to help marine mammals, volunteering assistance at training courses, community events and strandings.

“They are leaders – teaching their peers in techniques to save lives.

“They are rescuers – saving the lives of whales with their skills, and they are heroes, leading their community in the rescue efforts, and as a community we couldn’t be any prouder of them.

“We think that this group have a great story to tell, and we can’t wait for them to share it on the national stage at the 2017 Trustpower National Community Awards,” says Miss Beaton.

Other winners at tonight’s Trustpower Nelson Tasman Community Awards were:

Youth Spirit:

Finalist: Caleb Binns

Finalist: Michael Pickering Webb

Finalist: Siti Jongking

Runner up: Taylah Shuker

Winner: Fynn Sawyer

Heritage and Environment:

Commendation: Battle for the Banded Rail

Runner up: Keep Motueka Beautiful

Winner: Mapua School, Tane’s Ark

Health and Wellbeing:

Commendation: Boost Room Makeovers

Runner up: Age Concern

Winner: Menzshed Waimea

Arts and Culture:

Commendation: Dovedale Country Affair Committee

Joint Runner up: Mapua Community Library

Joint Runner up: Chandrakirti Meditation Centre

Winner: Sukita Project

Sports and Leisure:

Commendation: Nelson Mountain Bike Club

Runner up: Target Shooting Nelson

Winner: Coastguard Nelson

Education and Child Youth Development:

Commendation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson

Commendation: The Society of St Vincent de Paul Vinnies Youth

Runner up: Victory Boxing

Winner: Volunteer Nelson Young Leaders

Nelson winner: Nelson Youth Council

Tasman winner: Golden Bay Rural Women

Supreme Winner: Project Jonah

The Awards are being presented at a function this evening, Monday 26 June, at Seifried Estate Winery, starting at 6pm. Media are welcome to attend.

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