21 September 2016

CubaDupa wins Regional Community Awards

Wellington street festival CubaDupa won the Supreme Award at the 2016 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night.

Every March, more than 100,000 people flock to Wellington’s iconic Cuba Street for CubaDupa, which is transformed into a magical interactive playground of sounds, sights and taste.

Kate Louise Elliot, General Manager CubaDupa said “We are proud to be able to bring such a vibrant street arts festival to Wellington and are honoured that we were in such esteemed company. So many fantastic people contribute to this event with their time, energy and enthusiasm which makes Wellington's CubaDupa the

extraordinary experience that it is. A huge thank you to everyone who became part of our family in delivering this event. We warmly welcome everyone to participate with us at CubaDupa 2017 25/26 March"

Steve Sanderson, Chief Executive of Wellington Airport, said CubaDupa embodied the spirit of the Regional Community Awards.

“The event is brought to life by a dedicated team of passionate staff, residents, retailers, performers and an army of volunteers. The panel was impressed by the many thousands of volunteer hours and the collaborative partnerships developed.

“We are proud to celebrate the contribution of community group volunteers with the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards each year. Congratulations to all the winners.”

Mark Cassidy, Chief Executive of Wellington Community Trust said: “The Community Awards offer an opportunity to bring together community groups from all over the region so that we can celebrate and reward their achievements. The diversity amongst the finalists is inspiring and heartwarming evidence that there are many people prepared to volunteer their time, creativity and compassion to make life in Wellington better for all of us. The Wellington Community Trust is very pleased to continue to be part of these Awards.”

Wellington Airport also awarded five local high school students $3000 scholarships in the Wild at Heart Spirit Awards. These winners demonstrate self-motivation in service to their community and college.

This year celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Wild at Heart Spirit Award scholarships. First presented in 2007, 45 students have been awarded the scholarships over the previous nine years of the awards. Wellington Airport presented the 50th scholarship to Millie Dow from Wellington East Girls’ College.

Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards 2016 Winners

Supreme Award – CubaDupa – Creative Capital Arts Trust
Arts and Culture: CubaDupa – Creative Capital Arts Trust
Education and Child/Youth Development: InsideOUT
Health and Wellbeing: Upper Hutt Community Rescue Incorporated
Heritage and Environment: Friends of the Otaki River
Sport and Leisure: Raptors Tag Club
Rising Star Award: Naenae Fruit & Vege Co-op

$3000 Wild at Heart Spirit Award Scholarship recipients:

· Sohadi Yes - Rongotai College

· Daniella Emer-Barbalich - St Catherine’s College

· Nathan Lopa - St Patrick’s College

· Peter McKenzie - Scots College

· Millie Dow - Wellington East Girls’ College

ENDS

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