Quiet Acheiver Gains Valuable Recognition
Immediate Release 2/11/11
Young Cantabrian and Rebuild Christchurch Founder Deon Swiggs has been nominated in the annual “New Zealander of the
Year Awards”. He has been nominated in three categories, Young New Zealander of the Year, Community of the Year, Local Heroes.
“This is the most humbling experience for me, would never have thought it could happen to me. I just do what I do
because there is great potential in Rebuild Christchurch. If we can help one person with this initiative, we have done
something amazing” Say Swiggs of his nomination.
Residents of Christchurch immediately after the September earthquake were desperately seeking information that would
assist and inform. As others grabbed shovels to assist neighbours, Deon Swiggs grabbed his laptop and began collating
information from a variety of sources and placing this information in a easy to read and understand format at
www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz . This website has become the go to place for people wanting up to date and relevant
information for ALL sources relating to the recovery and rebuild of Christchurch.
From the Rebuild Christchurch website came the “Let’s Get it Done” Volunteer initiative, where volunteers are matched
with residents requiring assistance post quake. An event was help in September in conjunction with CanCERN and the
Student Volunteer Army. There are six more “Lets get it Done” events planned for the next 12 month.
This nomination shows that anyone can make a difference if they show passion, understanding and belief in what they are
working towards. Deon Swiggs is a great example of a young man who found a way to make a difference and simplify
communications in an incredibly difficult time for Canterbury and Christchurch. Visit the website at
www.rebuildchristchurch.co.nz.
ENDS