News Release
Tuesday 28 May 2013

Embargoed until 7.30pm Tuesday 28 May 2013

Eleven Rotorua residents honoured for volunteer community contribution

ROTORUA 28.05.13: Rotorua District Council (RDC) has today honoured eleven local residents for outstanding contributions to the local community.

The annual Rotorua District Community Awards presentations were made this evening [Tuesday 28 May] at a special ceremony hosted by Mayor Kevin Winters at the council Civic Centre.

Recipients of 2013 Rotorua District Community Awards are:

ADULT SECTION:
Peter Fitchett
David & Lesley Hubbard
Lynne Joseph
Peter O’Flaherty
Mitai Rolleston

YOUTH SECTION:
Murali Magesan
Andre Morrison
Zak Swift
Stacey Tamblin
Lukas Wharekura

Mayor Kevin Winters said one of the reasons why Rotorua was such a strong community, was the large number of people who generously give their time and effort to helping others, and contributing to the development of the district in such a positive way.

“These people don’t seek accolades. In fact many are very reluctant to even let us acknowledge their contribution in this small way. For them their reward is actually seeing how their efforts make a difference to others, and in knowing they are helping to make our society a better place.

“But it is important that we do take opportunities like these District Community Awards to show that we appreciate these exceptional volunteers, and to say “thank you” to them for all they have done for our community.

“And at the same time we also express our gratitude to the thousands of others across Rotorua district who, every day, unselfishly play a part in making Rotorua such a great place to live though their volunteer efforts.

“These are the unseen heroes of our district. Their values are what our community has been built on over many years. Our community is significantly enriched by their generosity of spirit.

The Rotorua District Community Awards programme started 23 years ago in 1990, with the youth category being added in 1999. A maximum of eight awards can be made for each section in any one year.

The criteria for the adult section is at least 15 years of dedicated voluntary service to one or more community sectors, while the criteria for the youth section is for strong voluntary service and achievements at a national or international level.

ENDS

© Scoop Media