Civic Awards - call for nominations

Calling all supporters of Whangarei’s hard working, sincere, tireless and giving citizens – now is your chance to nominate someone who has made a significant contribution to the community for a Civic Award.

Every year Whangarei District Council honours up to four citizens for outstanding voluntary service.

Anyone who has made a significant contribution to community through their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or devotion to a cause is eligible.

“We all know at least one of these kind souls who give their time, resources and skills for the benefit of others,” says Chairman of the Civic Awards selection panel Councillor Shelley Deeming.

“They are the people who have been helping out for years, even decades with no thought of reward or recompense. Our community wouldn’t be the same without them.”

“Our question to anyone reading this is, ‘Does this sound like someone you know?’ if so, please round up as much information as you can about them and nominate them for an award by 23 May.”

“This is an opportunity for the community to give back to four of these deserving people. There are countless people out there who are worthy of a Civic Honour; however we won’t get to hear about them unless someone lets us know.”

Attached is a nomination form which gives all the information you need to make a nomination.

“If you would like to make a nomination but want to talk about it first or if you need help with your nomination form, please do not hesitate to contact Whangarei District Council Community Funding Officer Bree Kurtovich. Remember, nominations close at 4pm on Friday 25 May 2014.”

Past recipients have come from a wide range of interest areas including fire-fighting, conservation, Kohanga Reo, music teaching, surf lifesaving and hockey coaching, raising funds for the SPCA, caring for or representing the elderly, reading for the blind, umpiring, scouting or caring for seafarers – the list is long and varied.

Last year’s recipients were Sophie Edwards, recognised for her long-standing and generous gift of her time, energy, talents and wisdom to the community and nature of the Tutukaka Coast and wider Whangarei area; Fred and Mary Field in recognition of their enormous contribution to the wider Mangakahia community and to young people in need; Des Coutts in acknowledgement of his long-standing commitment to, and support of, the Hikurangi community; also from Hikurangi Merv Rusk in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well-being of the people of Hikurangi, Whangarei and New Zealand.

Each potential recipient must be nominated by at least two people who must put together as much information as they can to show how and why their nominee is a strong candidate. This helps district councillors on the Civic Honours Selection Panel to take into account as much information as possible while selecting the recipients.

Usually up to four recipients are named and an award ceremony is held at the Council Chambers to recognise and celebrate the efforts of the winners.
Councillor Shelley Deeming, said every year the nominations were a revelation of the huge input that dedicated, selfless people have into the community through long service in often behind-the-scenes roles.

“It is heart warming and humbling to hear their stories, and a joy to see them recognised by the District in front of their friends and families,” said Councillor Deeming.
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