Lodge Kororareka receives funds from student volunteer

6 August 2012

Lodge Kororareka receives funds from award winning student volunteer

Lodge Kororareka has received a $250 donation from the winner of the 2012 TrustPower Far North Youth Community Spirit Award.

Jonty Hooson from Bay of Islands College in Kawakawa was named as winner of the Award, which recognises secondary school students’ service to the school and the community. The Award is jointly run by TrustPower and the Far North District Council and is part of the TrustPower Far North Community Awards which were presented last Wednesday evening, 1 August.

For winning the Award Jonty received a framed certificate and $500, with $250 going to Jonty personally and $250 being donated by Jonty to Lodge Kororareka.

Jack Maioha of Lodge Kororareka says Jonty’s donation will be used to further aid local people in need, supporting the Lodge’s goals.

“We are so thrilled that Jonty has won this award and we are honoured that he thought of our group.

Lodge Kororareka assists local people with achieving their goals. Recently we have helped a stroke victim who wanted to compete in the New York marathon and young students participating in team building activities on local yachts. We’ve assisted St John Russell, we donate cups and awards to local schools and we have a benevolent fund.

Jonty’s donation will help us continue to support those in need. If there are people out there in the community, who have some special goals, please get in touch with us at the Lodge to see how we can help,” says Jack.

TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff says the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award is a wonderful opportunity to publicly acknowledge the work young people do to enrich their community.

“Often young people receive a lot of negative attention and we forget the tremendous input that they provide to the fabric of our community Jonty is a great example of a student doing just that,” says Miss Luff.

Jonty is a talented and high-achieving all-rounder who leads by example in his school and community.

“Not only has he topped his academic classes, but Jonty has collected a huge number of sporting accolades along the way while also being a leader in cultural groups, a prefect, student rep on the College Board of Trustees, deputy head boy last year and head boy this year. He’s also been recognised by his school for his community service too.

Jonty is a high-performing orator, and has represented his region at a number of speech competitions Last year he represented New Zealand in Japan after winning a Rotary NZ Competition and another prize for public speaking saw him travel to Australia. Jonty’s time overseas representing his school, region and country doesn’t end there however. A couple of years ago Jonty travelled with the college’s kapa haka group to Hawaii on a cultural exchange.

Out in the community Jonty has represented his school at ANZAC Day services, Armistice Day, Kawakawa’s Puff and Pull Challenge, Kororareka Festival, Ngati Hine Festival and the Tai Tokerau Festival. He’s also got involved with the Russell Birdman event and a number of local sports clubs. And what is exceptionally remarkable about Jonty is that he has been a volunteer fire fighter with the Russell Volunteer Fire Brigade for three years already!” says Miss Luff.

Jonty’s nominator Annette Wynyard said Jonty has had a huge impact on Bay of Islands College since he arrived in 2008.

Jonty impressed the judges with his passion for the community and for his dedication to get involved

“Jonty likes to get involved in the community because he acknowledges that it is the community that has supported him with achieving his goals.

And in Jonty’s words, he reminds us that having a sense of community is everything and that it is important to give back,” says Miss Luff.

Local high schools were asked to recommend one student to be considered for the Award. The four finalists for this award were Manurereau Allen of Kaitaia College, Donna Hohaia of Kaitaia Abundant Life School, Araitea Smith of Okaihau College and Max Irving-Lamb of Kerikeri High School.

To be considered for the TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award students had to have given service to school or community projects, treated others with care and respect and been a good ambassador for the school and the Far North region.

For more information on the TrustPower Community Awards please visit www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards.

ENDS

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