27 April 2006

Celebrated citizens become Living Legends

Aucklanders who have made an outstanding contribution to their city will be acknowledged this evening (6pm) when they receive a special award from Mayor of Auckland city, Dick Hubbard at a council meeting in the town hall.

Seven Aucklanders, including a prominent District Court Judge and a well-known businessman, will be presented with a pohutukawa tree in appreciation of their extraordinary efforts within their communities and Auckland city.

The Mayor's Living Legend award was instigated by Mayor Hubbard after he discovered there was a lack of formal recognition for those people who make a real difference to the lives of fellow Aucklanders.

"We are good at recognising those who have succeeded professionally but often people who choose to do voluntary work are overlooked," Mayor Dick Hubbard said, "I believe we should celebrate them publicly. The success of a city has much to do with the amount of voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes."

The recipients are: Ian and Mary Grant Often referred to as Parents of the Nation, Ian and Mary are well known for their highly successful parenting programmes across the country and for their work in high schools.

Judge Mick Brown Widely recognised for his compassion and commitment to youth of Auckland and New Zealand through the use of restorative justice. Mick Brown was appointed the first judge of the New Zealand Youth Court.

Sir James Fletcher II A successful businessman, Sir James II has used his skills to help many Aucklanders through the Fletcher Trust which gives support to a range of regional and community based programmes such as the Young Enterprise Scheme. He has been an active member of Business in the Community Charitable Trust.

Ross Thorby Ross is known as Franklin Road's chief cheerleader. He has been instrumental in creating a popular Auckland street party from scratch. The Franklin Road Christmas light party which started 13 years ago, brings the community and the city together during this festive period.

Wayne Coe Well known in Avondale, Wayne works hard organising activities for Avondale Senior Citizens Club. He is also an active member of the local Community Centre where he spends a lot of time in the garden, planting and tending to it.

Hazel Askew Hazel has been heavily involved with families and the elderly in the Onehunga community for many years. She spends hours every week helping out in her local church, as an organist, and in the church's busy Op Shop. She gives budgeting advice to members of the community and works with the elderly teaching handcrafts.

ENDS

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