Polhill Protectors named Supreme winners at Wellington City Community Awards
A project dedicated to creating harmony between people, pets, and wildlife in Polhill Reserve has won the Supreme Award
at this evening’s 2017 Wellington City Community Awards ceremony.
The annual event celebrates volunteering and the contribution made by hundreds of people every year in and around
Wellington – recognising those who are making a difference in our communities across the arts, heritage, and
environment.
"This is a great opportunity to show our appreciation to the huge number of volunteers who work selflessly for the
benefit of our communities. They add to the character and identity of Wellington, and many of these groups have new
ideas and come up with smart solutions to help build community and connections in our city,” says Mayor Justin Lester.
“The Polhill Protectors work with volunteer trappers and have a focus on bush restoration, which has resulted in the
endangered saddleback bird successfully breeding again in the Polhill Reserve. This alone is testament to a successful
project, and we look forward to their continued achievement in the area.
“Also exciting to see the Rising Star award celebrating new and innovative approaches, recognising new volunteering
initiatives like the work of Hygiene for the Homeless – providing women in need in the Wellington region with hygiene
packs including deodorants, toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary items,” adds the Mayor.
Wellington International Airport, Wellington Community Trust, and the five local councils come together for the awards
every year, with nominations submitted by the public online for the categories, judging panels select the council award
winners, who go on to be eligible for the regional awards.
Category award winners:
Arts & Culture winner – Barbarian Productions
Education & Child/Youth Development winner – Youthline Wellington
Health & Wellbeing winner – Victim Support Wellington
Heritage & Environment winner – Polhill Protectors
Sport & Leisure winner – Wellington Off-Road Riding Department (WORD)
Rising Star award winner – Hygiene For Homeless
Supreme winner for Wellington City – Polhill Protectors
Winners receive a cash prize and a framed certificate. The Regional Supreme Winner also receives a trophy that is held
for one year. They will go on to represent Wellington at the Trust Power National Community Awards in early 2018.
Wellington City had 66 nominations for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards this year.
ENDS