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

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