Every year, dedicated locals contribute an astounding 1.5 million hours of volunteering to the Waimakariri District. These volunteers are the unsung heroes who diligently work to improve the community, often without seeking any recognition for their efforts.

Mayor Dan Gordon and Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson champion these remarkable individuals, as they see the immense impact of voluntary work on the District.

Mayor Dan Gordon says often the recipients are shocked when he contacts them to say they have been nominated.

“It’s just the nature of these exceptional volunteers.

“They do what that they do without ever seeking thanks and acknowledgment.

“That is why Deputy Mayor Neville and I enjoy these awards so much.

“We personally meet each of the recipients and get the opportunity to thank them and then share their story and achievements with the District. It’s a great privilege.”

The Community Service Awards recipients have collectively volunteered hundreds of hours to the Waimakariri District.

This year truly exceptional service was recognised with a Mayoral Award to Neill Price.

Neil has given many years of service to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Kaiapoi Borough and Waimakariri councils, being the Kaiapoi and Canterbury District RSA President, receiving a QSM for services to the community, and much more

It is also the third year the community's young contributors have been recognised with the Youth Service Award, which was presented to two worthy recipients this year.

This award was introduced by Mayor Dan Gordon in 2022 and is a collaborative effort between the Council and the Youth Council. It is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions made by young people In the Waimakariri District.

Mayor Dan Gordon says it’s wonderful to see the depth of inspiring young people in the Waimakariri District.

“It highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting the next generation of community leaders and volunteers.”

For a second time the awards have included Environmental Award recipients, which come through from the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee.

This year there were eight recipients of Community Service Awards

A Mayor’s Award for exceptional community service and two Youth Service Awards.

The recipients were:

Community Service Awards

Bev Shepherd-Wright

Bev has given generously of her time to community over the years especially as a previous District Councillor and with Toot for Tucker.

Jen Cunningham

Jen does an incredible job of advocating for new mums and pre and post maternity care at the Rangiora Health Hub. She also does a great job of coordinating meals on wheels.

Warwick Kirwan

Warwick has been recognised for his incredible service to Hato Hone St John.

Ian Lennie

Ian has given generously of his time to a number of organisations in the Woodend and Pegasus communities.

Doug Nicholl

Doug has been a strong advocate for the community over his many years as chair of the Ohoka Drainage Advisory Group and The Oxford-Ohoka Community Board.

Anna White

Anna has been acknowledged for her services to Art especially the Oxford Art Gallery.

John Woolcott

John has given many years of service to the community as a Master of Ceremonies and promoting the businesses and clubs of Kaiapoi.

Ronel Stephens

Famous for Ronel’s Community Cuppa. Ronel has also been the driving for behind the Pegasus Community Centre and many other community initiatives.

Les Cherry

Les has made a huge contribution to his community he’s been president and secretary of the Eyreton Hall Committee over many years, and a very talented piper in the McAlpines North Canterbury Pipe Band. He continues to play the bag pipes at many community events.

Youth Awards

Jackson Lewis

Jackson is the Coach of the Kaiapoi High School Boys’ Senior Basketball Team. He dedicates countless hours each week to these young players and has been an inspiration to them both on and off the court.

Ryan Beardsmore

For his age Ryan gives a huge amount to his community, he is a swimming coach with Special Olympics North Canterbury, a volunteer surf lifeguard and a member of the District’s Civil Defence Response Team NZRT12.

Environmental Awards

Youth Environment Award / Ruby Gill-Clifford West Eyreton School

Group Environment Award Ashley- Rakahuri River Care Group

Individual Environment Award Judith Roper Lindsay

Individual Environment Award Miles and Gillian Giller

Business Award

Robin and Vicki Brown for their 30 years as owner/operators of Rangiora New World.

This was done last week at our Council meeting because Vicki was unable to make tonight’s event as she is in Australia.

But I am sure you will agree they were very worthy recipients for all they have done supporting many organisations around our District.