Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust wins Upper Hutt Supreme Community Award
Upper Hutt at heart: local volunteers and not-for-profit groups celebrated.
Community spirit, manaakitanga (care for others), and passion for local initiatives filled the air at last night's awards ceremony for the Upper Hutt finalists of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga.
Thirty-three local volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations were finalists across six categories in recognition of countless hours of service to their community. The diversity and wide reach of the initiatives was impressive: from scouts to sports clubs, animal welfare providers to creative arts groups and those who open their doors to the most vulnerable members of the community – the citations left no doubt about their invaluable contribution to Upper Hutt.
"It's the many helping hands, and many hearts, of volunteers and community groups that make a real difference to locals every day," says Jane Braun, Upper Hutt City Council's Community Partnerships Manager.
She adds that the energy and effort put into much-loved local charity events, such as Bookfest (hosted by this year's Supreme Winner, Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust), or lifeline social services provided by finalists like Upper Hutt Housing Trust and Age Concern Hutt Valley were immense.
Dedication and commitment were not the only qualities in the spotlight at the annual awards. Mike Ryan, Group Manager Community Services at Upper Hutt City Council, commends the finalists for demonstrating innovation and a keen understanding of their community.
"Year on year, the Airport Awards show us how community-led initiatives address and adapt to local needs and service gaps. Such a breadth of delivery models and support structures is inspiring, and a huge asset to Upper Hutt," he says.
Wellington Airport has hosted the annual awards in conjunction with the local city councils since 2004.
Matt Clarke, Wellington Airport chief executive, emphasises that the airport is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Upper Hutt.
"These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all the Upper Hutt finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year."
Upper Hutt's winners have now progressed to the final stage of the awards, where they will be acknowledged alongside the winners from the other participating councils in the region, and will have the opportunity to become the overall winner in their respective award category.
This year’s Upper Hutt winners and runners-up are:
Arts and Culture
Winner: Pinestream Quilters
Runner-up: Te Heke Mai
Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Stockdale Farm
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Autism Group (UHAG)
Health and Wellbeing
Winner: Upper Hutt Women’s Centre
Runner-up (joint): Upper Hutt Community Patrol
Runner-up (joint): Ōrongomai Marae – Kai Bank
Heritage and Environment
Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Repair Café
Sport and Leisure
Winner: Reload FX
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Hockey Club
Rising Star
Winner: Natural Leaders
Supreme Award
Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust
