Ruapehu 2018 Citizen of the Year Awards

Ruapehu’s 2018 Citizen of the Year Awards have been presented with the Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award going to Janet Hedges of Ohura and the Waimarino-Waiouru Citizen Award going to Geoff Anderson of Raetihi.

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

The Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award is presented to a resident living within the National Park, Taumarunui and Ohura Ward areas while the Waimarino-Waiouru Award covers the southern half of the district.

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

Mrs Hedges has been recognised for her commitment and work with Ohura Valley Primary School notably for her work teaching Te Reo Maori and culture as well as her work in support of the Ohura Memorial Hall, Ohura A.P.H & I Association, Ohura & District museum, the Cosmopolitan Club and the Ohura Valley residents Society.

Mr Anderson received the Waimarino-Waiouru Award for his long service to Raetihi including for his work with Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust in supporting township revitalisation, management of the Raetihi Information Centre, providing leadership for community projects such as the pool solar heating and his support for Raetihi and Ruapehu as a radio broadcaster.

Ruapehu Mayor Don Cameron said that both Janet and Geoff are very worthy recipients of this year's Citizen of the Year Awards.

“Council is very happy to see them both being recognised for the huge efforts they have put into their local communities and by extension the Ruapehu district as a whole” he said.

“Volunteer workers such as Janet and Geoff provide the backbone of many of the essential community services and activities that we rely on every day.

They are great examples of the type of unassuming people who work for many years, quietly behind the scenes, doing many of the jobs that provide the supporting fabric to our communities.

Without the commitment and dedication of people like them the progress we see in our townships along with many things we take for granted would cease to function.

The Ruapehu Citizen Awards are an opportunity to give people like Janet and Geoff the recognition and thanks that they deserve.”

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