The character shown by Wellington’s Muslim community in response to the Christchurch mosque massacres has played a large
part in this year’s Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian (APW) awards.
Four members of the Muslim community have been acknowledged in the awards, three of them - Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and
Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi - in a joint award for their leadership.
“They went out of their way to promote understanding at a difficult time,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester. “The
Kilbirnie mosque’s open day was brought forward several months to enable the Muslim community to show its appreciation
to Wellingtonians.
“The Muslim community’s reaction to the Christchurch shootings, as epitomised by its leadership, provided an example of
understanding and harmony that was noted throughout the world.”
Ibrahim Omer, the chair of ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum, also became an APW winner.
“Following the Christchurch shootings, Ibrahim represented his community on the world stage,” the Mayor says. “He
organised vigils, connected with Muslim refugee communities across the country, gave media interviews to international
media and much more.”
Ibrahim, came to New Zealand from Sudan in 2010 after escaping an oppressive regime in Eritrea and started work in
Wellington as a cleaner. He has also been a campaigner for the Living Wage movement, is a union organiser, and is a
community representative on Newtown Union Health Service Board.
The other winners’ contributions to the community took many forms, including years of service to their communities,
mental health causes, special projects and excelling in their chosen field.
“A city is set apart by its people. We wouldn’t be the special place we are today without the generosity and open hearts
of many in their communities,” the Mayor says. “These awards are about acknowledging those who selflessly give so much –
people who volunteer their time and effort, and go above and beyond to make our city a better place.”
2019 APW winners:
Barbara Mulligan
In November 2016, Barbara Mulligan instigated a project to mark the impact on Wellington of the 1918 influenza pandemic
and some of those who died in November and December that year. She organised the cleaning of the gravesites in Karori
Cemetery of some of the 740 who died between October and December 1918. At least 50 volunteers were involved in the
clean-up, which took place from 2016 to 2018.
Bruce and Dawn Patterson
Bruce and Dawn Patterson have been champions of Grenada Village since moving there in 1988. Bruce has served on the
Grenada Village Community Association Committee for 27 years, nearly all that time as chairman. Dawn has been on the
committee for 28 years.
Greg Hyland
Greg Hyland has been an active volunteer and advocate for the Wadestown and Highland Park community. Since 2011 he has
been a Highland Park Progressive Association (HPPA) Committee member, and its president from 2013 to 2018. He represents
the HPPA and works closely with city officials on a project to conserve the local historical site - Fort Buckley.
Jason Te Patu
Jason Te Patu is a tireless advocate for mental health and well-being, using his skills as a yoga teacher, mindfulness
and meditation instructor. Originally from Whanganui, Jason is of Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent.
He has represented New Zealand in springboard diving, aerobics and gymnastics, as well as pursuing a career in
performance.
Melanie Heaphy
Melanie Heaphy is an icon in Island Bay where she lives with her husband Devon and their three children. Melanie has a
long history of community work. As a teenager, through Girls’ Brigade, she did her Duke of Edinburgh and Girls’ Brigade
Queen’s Award, which included community service at Kilmarnock Rest home in Island Bay, and running groups of Girls’
Brigade kids.
Tahir Nawaz, Khaled Said and Imam Nizam ul Haq Thanvi
Wellington was fortunate that its Muslim community showed strong and level-headed leadership in the wake of the tragic
Christchurch mosque shootings, in which 51 people died. Emotions were raw after the events in Christchurch, but
throughout the country the reaction of the Muslim community leadership provided a shining example of unity and
understanding, rather than finger pointing.
Ngarangi Pritchard
Ask any Wellington Māori māmā who’s had a baby in the past four decades who their midwife was, and chances are they’ll
say Ngarangi Pritchard. Ngarangi, of Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngati Porou and Rongowhakaata descent, is one of Wellington’s
most experienced, trusted and loved midwives. Her nursing and midwifery career has spanned more than 40 years and she
has been instrumental in supporting Māori and Pasifika families to be confident as new parents.
Ray Henwood
Multi-talented actor Ray Henwood has been a mainstay of Wellington’s theatrical scene since the mid-1960s. Originally
from Wales, Ray moved to Wellington in 1962, aged 24. However it was not to work an actor, but to teach maths and
science at Mana College. He then worked as a forensic toxicologist at the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research. While there he was partly responsible for the introduction of the breathalyser to New Zealand.
Susan Price
Susan Price made headlines this year when she gave away a landmark property that she and her parents had lovingly
restored. Chevening, an apartment block at 90 Salamanca Road, Kelburn, was designed in 1929 by Llewellyn Williams, who
also planned the Embassy Theatre. The neglected building, desperately in need of care, was bought by the Price family in
1979.
Warren Dion Smith
Hair, makeup and special effects artist Warren Dion Smith exudes talent and flair. Warren emerged from Waikato, where he
was recognised early on by the Māori King Tūheitia Paki as a talented artist. He has really established himself in
Wellington, where he has dominated as the pre-eminent hairstyle artist over the past 10 years, winning a succession of
national and major regional titles.