Dancers add colour to the Masterton Civic Awards ceremony on Monday. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
The 2018 Masterton Civic Awards winners were announced on Monday at a ceremony at the Copthorne Solway Hotel.
Eight recipients were honoured by the Masterton District Council, including a duo, across a wide range of sectors.
Two recipients, Deidre van Gerven and Barbara Roydhouse, were unable to attend. The extensive work carried out by these individuals within the community was highlighted in their nomination forms.
Michelle Beaver [Sport and Leisure]
Nominators: Steve Wheeler, Penny Thomson
Michelle has worked at St Patrick’s for almost 20 years.
She freely gives up her time after school to organise and watch sports teams, assists less fortunate families by transporting children to and from school. She epitomises the School’s motto of “Strength and Kindness”, enabling children to
enjoy positive and enjoyable experiences.
Rugby has also played a huge part in Michelle’s life, particularly through her association with the Masterton Marist club of which she has been accorded life membership.
She has served this club in many key administrative roles including manager of the premier men’s side over a long period, and is a leading light in the organisation of their JAB [Junior Advisory Board] teams
She has also been on the club’s executive committee and supervised the kitchen for after-match activities.
Kirsten Browne and John Hart [Education]
Nominators: Maria McKenzie, Tim Nelson
For the past three and a half years Kirsten and John have given their own time [around 1500 hours] and energy to set up a Fab Lab.
Their vision: To smooth the path for kids in Masterton and Wairarapa schools, together with the wider community and Council operational funding.
It has not been an easy road, but hopefully their tenacity and perseverance will pay off with inclusion of the Fab Lab in the extended Library.
Paul Foster [Heritage and Environment]
Nominators: Doreen Jolly, Graham Dick
Paul has made an outstanding contribution to the rejuvenation of the Island on the Lake of Remembrance in Queen Elizabeth Park.
He was at the forefront of the island’s renewal and the logistics required for the work to be carried out safely.
He quickly applied his engineering expertise to the many important jobs necessary.
This major restoration has created a more enjoyable recreation and educational space for our community.
Daniel Miller [Health and Well-being/Sport and Leisure]
Nominators: Jen Butler, Neil Cadwallader
Daniel has volunteered most of his life to boxing in Masterton working with youth and the community. At 37 his incredible record includes 25 years of voluntary service.
Seven times golden glove winner and five times NZ Champion and Oceanic bronze medalist, as well as a family man, he volunteers at least 10 hours at the gym each week helping people of all walks of life.
He ensures everyone is treated equally and receives the same opportunities.
Over the past four years Daniel has mentored and trained a young man who was teased and bullied and recently that young man became Daniel’s first boxer [and the first in five years for the club] to attend a boxing championship.
Jason Paku [Heritage and Environment]
Nominators: Kim Siemonek., Claire Hills
Pa Jason has given his time freely to restore the Wharenui at Chanel College. He has lovingly spent the past 18 months restoring the carvings and bringing them back to life for future generations
to enjoy.
Painstakingly he worked through the stripping process, painting every detail to perfection, while still finding time to mentor and support the students who needed
his care.
The PATFA is very proud to have supported Pa Jason through such a time-consuming project and to now have a cultural centre at the school that enhances students’ learning and helps them embrace their culture.
Sandy Ryan [Community]
Nominators: Ray Stewart, Alistair Curson, Yvonne Davy, Donna Gray
Sandy has received two nominations for a Civic Award in 2018.
She has a wealth of experience with non-profit organisations and Local Government.
Her long history working for the community and being a driving force for the many projects she undertook produced positive outcomes; eg the beautification of Lansdowne village.
She was a key person in the purchase and establishment of the new Wairarapa Community Centre in Perry Street, and served on their committee.
Sandy is one of the founding members of the Wairarapa Resource Centre and served as the inaugural chairwoman. She is currently the secretary of the Lansdowne Residents Association.
Her numerous voluntary hours include fundraising, the tree planting initiative, development of the Lansdowne Trails and the discovery playground, just to name a few.
Deidre van Gerven [Health and Wellbeing]
Nominators: Sandy Ryan, Kieran McAnulty
Deidre is being nominated for a Civic Award for her enduring campaign over 19 years to have asbestos banned in its manufactured form in NZ.
She has lost four members of her family through this fatal disease and even though she has poor health herself, her courage and determination never cease.
Having discovered poetry, her verses have meaning for those whose lives have been affected by asbestos.
Bereaved relatives have asked her to write poems in memory of their loved ones. They send her their personal stories and Diedre shapes them into poetry.
Barbara Roydhouse [Arts and Culture]
Nominators: Susanna Shadbolt, Donna Burkhart
Barbara was nominated for her outstanding contribution and dedication to the arts and culture in Masterton and our region.
She has more than 40 years teaching experience – 34 as a visual arts teacher.
Among her achievements are: the Masterton Trust Lands Trust Educator scholarship to study art education; 1984-89 committee member of Arts Foundation, 1989-93 president; Trustee of Aratoi Board since 2011, vice-chairwoman and for the past two years, chairwoman.
Barbara was also instrumental in the St Matthew’s Centennial Sculpture Project – raising more than $100,000.
