Paeroa’s War Memorial Hall was filled with stalwarts of the community on November 26 for the Hauraki District Council OnYa awards evening.
The OnYa awards recognise the people who make a positive difference in the community, often working behind the scenes and without acknowledgement.
This year’s 13 award recipients spanned the breadth of the Hauraki District, serving the community in a wide variety of roles.
Mayor Toby Adams said the awards were a chance for the council to honour the people who go above and beyond.
“The amount of time, effort, years, selfless acts that [the nominees] have done to make a difference in our community just absolutely blows me away,” he said.
“They’re so humble and feel like they shouldn’t be getting thanked for the amazing stuff that they do in our community. It really amazes me.”
AWARD WINNERS
Service or Achievement in Arts and Culture Awards
Bella Paulsen: for her work as a student curator at Waihī Museum.
Nicki Leventer: for her work as the Kerepēhi Brass Band treasurer, librarian, and media manager.
Individual Awards for Service to the Community
Zoe-Beth Naisby: for her leadership within the Waihī Leos Club and time spent volunteering at Waihī College and community events.
David Bruce: for his volunteer work as the editor of the Whiritoa Tidings.
Greta Spicer: for her advocacy work for ADHD awareness and school and community volunteer work.
Maria Baigent: for her work supporting children in the community and as the founder of an equine assisted learning programme.
Travis Cox: for over 250 hours of volunteer work within Paeroa College and the community.
John Hallett: for over 40 years’ service with the Paeroa RSA and Citizen’s Club, Paeroa Pipe Band and Tattoo committee, Paeroa Co-op Parish, Paeroa Community Support Trust Day Camp, and elsewhere in the community.
Samantha Anderton: for her roles as a St John volunteer, playing with and managing local sports teams, and volunteer work for numerous community events and committees.
Thea Ris: for her decades of volunteer work in Waihī in the arts, with the Waihī Lions, and as the founder of the Waihī Art and Street Festival.
Ivan Petch: for over 40 years’ service to the Paeroa community as a veterinarian, on school and sports committees, and with Rotary.
Group Award for Service to the Community
Goldfields Railway repairs and maintenance team (Rae Barrington, Timothy Bell, Francis Fryett, Barry Harkness, Kevin Ryan, Baillie Scott): for their volunteer work maintaining the trains, tracks and grounds at Goldfields Railway.
Tu Meke Award for Going Above and Beyond
Anna Walters: for her work with students at Goldfields School and as lead co-ordinator for the Thames Valley Special Olympics.
