Civic awards have been given out to seven Porirua volunteers, recognizing their service in areas such as social services, the arts, young people and the environment.

Carolyn Rait, Cheryl Hood, June Penhey, Rosie Gallagher, Te Rerehua Nicholls, Sarah Field and Wendy Betteridge were announced as the 2018 award recipients at an event at Pataka on Monday night.

Running annually since 1993, the awards are the city’s highest recognition for voluntary service and achievement, highlighting individuals who give up their time to contribute to the community.

More than 100 residents have received civic awards, including the Porirua 50th Year Awards in 2015 to mark the special jubilee anniversary of Porirua being made a city.

Porirua Mayor Mike Tana said the civic awards were the perfect way to celebrate people who give up their own time to make Porirua a better place to live.

“They do heralded and unheralded work in all parts of our communities – without them and others, many brilliant initiatives in our city just would not happen.

“Thank you for the way your hearts work.”

This year’s recipients:

Carolyn Rait is a mentor for Partners Porirua, teaching young people to drive, fundraises for Virtuoso Strings and Plimmerton Croquet Club and organises the Kapi Mana Music Festival and Competitions, giving eastern Porirua musicians a chance to show off their talent.

Cheryl Hood was considered the heart of the Mana Community Police Base for 24 years, being the volunteer coordinator and in charge of the roster, and is the Neighbourhood Support Coordinator for Mana.

Te Rerehua Nicholls has coordinated the Anzac Day programme at Takapuwahia Marae for the past decade, organising everything from speakers, musicians and catering.

June Penhey has been a member of the Pukerua Bay Residents Association for more than 30 years and active in the suburb for 50 years. She was part of Porirua Community Guardians and is still a volunteer at the Kenepuru Hospital library.

Rosie Gallagher is the chair of the Ranui Residents Association, developing key relationships with the Council and her community to add value to the suburb, including regularly tending to The Grove, a community garden.

Sarah Field is the inspiration behind the Butterfly Walkway at Aotea Lagoon, a place for parents to come and remember and reflect on the children they have lost.

Wendy Betteridge holds a number of voluntary roles, including president of Plimmerton Croquet Club and has a number of webmaster roles, such as Plimmerton Rotary Club, Pauatahanui Garden Trail and Our Porirua. She is also a driving mentor for Partners Porirua and a board member of the e-Learning Porirua Trust.

© Scoop Media