Director recognised for benefitting NZ quality of life

Director recognised for benefitting NZ quality of life

Diversityworks Trust's Founder and Director Philip Patston has received recognition from the Orangi Kaupapa Trust for his service to the community.

"It is incredible that Philip has been recognised for his contribution to others' lives," said Diversityworks Chairperson Carol Waterman. "Even though it came as a surprise to him, it will be no surprise to anyone who knows him."

In a private meeting last Monday, Orangi Kaupapa Executive Officer Vicki Carnell and Trustee Pip Duncalf presented Patston with a cheque, the proceeds of which they told him, "you must spend on yourself, not your work!"

The Orangi Kaupapa Trust was established in 1987 with the purpose of rewarding people whose work benefits the quality of life in New Zealand. Funds are contributed by commercially successful people aand seek to reach those who are outstanding in non-commercial fields.

Orangi Kaupapa solely supports individuals who gain little or no financial benefits from their endeavours. It does not support organisations or projects.

In a blog post the diversity and social change expert said, "I am incredibly and humbly thankful to my colleagues and the Orangi Kaupapa Trust, who have demonstrated with humility their gratitude of me. What a wonderful way to operate in the world. Let there be more."

Over the last 20 years Patston has been the recipient of a Winston Churchill fellow; receive a Billy T James award for commitment and contribution to the NZ comedy industry; spoken and performed in Canada, the US, Belgium and Australia; set up several non profit organisations to benefit people experiencing disability; been recognised as a creative entrepreneur by the Arts Regional Trust; been an inaugural member of the NZ Social Entrepreneur Fellowship; spoken about diversity at the Skoll World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship in Oxford; is currently co-director of the Be. Institute's Leadership Programme; and was last year appointed as a Patron of Rainbow Youth, which supports queer young people.

www.diversitynz.com

ENDS

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