Twelve People Receive Citizens' Awards

Twelve New Plymouth District residents have been recognised with Citizens’ Awards.

Mayor Harry Duynhoven says this year’s recipients have done a lot over the years to benefit their communities.

“We wouldn’t have such a wonderful district to live in if it weren’t for the selfless actions of people such as these 12, whose voluntary work has helped out so many people,” he says.

“People such as these often go unnoticed because they’re always there, working in the background. It’s an honour to be able to turn the spotlight on them with a Citizens’ Award and say ‘well done’ for their great efforts over the years.”

The Mayor encourages clubs and organisations to start thinking now about their volunteers who should be recommended for a Citizens’ Award next year.

The recipients of this year’s Citizens’ Awards are:

Colin Drake (Inglewood)

Colin Drake is a founding member of the Inglewood Rotary Club, joining the club in January 1964. Apart from a short absence in 1989, he has been a valued, steady and loyal member, serving in all senior positions within the club, including President. He enthusiastically gives of his time to all club projects and fundraising.

Colin was the manager of Zemba’s in Inglewood for a number of years and was well respected by all employees. He has been involved with a number of committees in Inglewood, including the Greatest Show on Earth Committee, over a long period and has held many senior positions in the Inglewood Bowling Club, retiring as President in 1989 but still serving on committees and as Treasurer until 2004.

Colin received a Volunteer Recognition Certificate in 2007 for his exceptional contribution to Foodbank. He has been one of New Plymouth Volunteering’s supportive members for more than 16 years. He acts as an assessor and in this role delivers food parcels to clients. He uses his own vehicle to deliver parcels and also offers advice and comfort to those in need. He has made himself available to deliver parcels outside the normal hours of Foodbank and has always been willing to fill in for other volunteers if they have been unable to do their roster.
Colin is a person with a great sense of humour who loves to tell a story and make people laugh. He is acknowledged as a true gentleman and is well respected by many people in this community.

Ian Vickers (Waitara)

Ian Vickers and his family moved to Tikorangi in the late 1970s where he soon became involved in several community organisations. Ian joined the Tikorangi branch of Federated Farmers and was subsequently elected Chairman, a role he retained for approximately 15 years. He introduced and promoted annual public meetings to which he invited notable national figures from farming, finance and politics, as guest speakers.

Ian was involved in St John’s Anglican Church, where he was a vestry member from 1983 to 2004. He is a current member of Urenui Lion’s Club, where he was President from 1994 to 1995.
Ian was elected to the Tikorangi Hall Committee and over 25 years has always been one the of the first to volunteer for any maintenance or other work needing to be done.

When the Bertrand Road suspension bridge was closed, a trust was formed with a view to having it restored and reopened. Ian was invited to join and played a full part over several years in fundraising and lobbying decision-makers, with the result that this very well-used bridge was finally reopened.

When the Targa Car Rally started through the Tikorangi roads, the organisers offered the local school a donation if they would assist by providing marshals and other manpower to ensure the smooth running of the event. Although not directly connected to the school, Ian offered his assistance and for the last five years or more has organised and led a team – a time-consuming job for the financial benefit of Tikorangi School.

In 1995 Ian was elected to the Clifton Community Board where he served as a Chairman from 2001 to 2010.

Ian is one of those people who will rarely turn down a request for assistance by any community organisation and it is that attribute, along with the length of service he has given to so many voluntary groups, that makes him a worthy recipient of a Citizens’ Award.

Nola Tucker (New Plymouth)

Nola Tucker is a special lady who has quietly and willingly volunteered assistance within the community in many ways without any expectation of reward. Nola has worked for Red Cross’s Meals on Wheels for almost 40 years, every week, and often fills in as an emergency driver.

Nola’s neighbours think she is amazing as she helps out everyone in the area in so many ways, when needed. She is an incredible mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and much loved for her kindness and wisdom.

Maree Schumacher (NP)

Maree Schumacher has lived all her life in Taranaki. She is married to Brent and has three sons.

Maree is currently the chair of New Plymouth Foodbank, and has held a number of roles in the organisation over her years of involvement. With the significant challenges Foodbank has had to face over recent years, under Maree’s leadership they now enjoy a sustainability that was not always assured. Her work behind the annual street collection and weekly bread calls on supermarkets and local bakeries are notable.

Maree is also a member of the St Joseph’s congregation and makes weekly visits around the rest homes, taking bible readings and communion with many of those no longer able to attend mass.
Maree and Brent, through their business, contribute significantly by way of sponsorship in the community, often without any recognition sought or expected. Their goal is simple: To help make this place even better.

Mike Nightingale (NP)

Mike Nightingale is a retired Educational Psychologist who connects with the community in many diverse ways, both socially and culturally. Recreationally he is a keen and competitive cyclist. He is a supporter of local Maori issues and has recently addressed a gathering at Parihaka.

Mike has been involved with Puke Ariki as a volunteer host since 2003. He is one of the original team of volunteers in the North Wing, hosting visitors to our heritage centre. In particular he has spearheaded the development and implementation of the New Plymouth Historic Walks.

Between 2001 and 2005, Mike was a support worker for Victim Support.

Since 2008 he has been a mentor and pilot rider for a partially sighted adult tandem cyclist under the auspices of the Royal Foundation of the Blind. In 2011 Mike made it possible for eight keen visually impaired cyclists to ride tandem in the Yarrows Round the Mountain Challenge. He coordinated riders, pilots, bikes, support drivers and vehicles at change-over points, allowing all eight to participate successfully in this event.

Gladys Hopkinson (NP)

Gladys Hopkinson has been volunteering for Friends Plus for 10 years, and prior to that did the ‘tuck-in’ service for approximately five years. She goes beyond the call of duty, taking 15 elderly clients shopping every week. She also looks after all her neighbours’ units in her complex when they go away.

Gladys also does gardening for the elderly and visits patients at the hospital for the RSA. She looked after a returned serviceman for several years, helping out with his housework and garden when required. Sadly he recently passed away but he nominated Gladys for an award in 2008 and wrote: “She is a really lovely, kind person and is no chicken, being in her 70s!”

Gladys is fondly thought of by those who know her. She is a caring person, and always bright and cheerful.

Lois Finderup (NP)

Lois Finderup has been a member of the New Plymouth Operatic Society for 40 years, where she has worn many hats and performed on stage in several productions – including Fiddler on the Roof, Showboat, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She has worked behind the scenes on many occasions, helping in makeup and hair departments and cast catering.

Lois is also involved with the Taranaki Surf Lifesaving Club, working on the Miss Taranaki Beach Resorts Contest for the New Year’s Day carnivals. She has drawn a lot of sponsorship money which has assisted in reducing the need to fundraise throughout the year.

Many young people who have had tutoring in modeling, deportment and presentation from Lois have gained an edge in life skills with extra confidence in areas such as job interviews, etc.
For the last 10 years, the Taranaki Fashion Art Awards has been a big focus which allows all age groups to create the most amazing ‘clothing’. Lois is known to work tirelessly to create an iconic event that appeals to people of all ages. She has sacrificed a huge amount of time and money to ensure this event has consistently been one of the must-see events on the Taranaki entertainment calendar. This event has attracted entries from all over New Zealand and has built a reputation as a well-run premier show.

Lois is always at the forefront of all agency activities, be it teaching, promoting, producing and directing shows, coordinating fashion and entertainment events, and promoting actors and models here in New Zealand and overseas.

Claire Patten (NP)

Claire has been involved in teaching dance and theatre to hundreds of young people for just on 50 years. Her natural ability has taught them discipline and self-esteem, and made them better citizens for our city.

Claire has freely given of her time to the New Plymouth Operatic Society (NPOS), Repertory and Little Theatre productions, and has also been involved in projects such as the Last Night of the Proms, Searchlight Tattoo, TV3 Praise Be, multi-ethnic events, RSA Forces, Follies and many more stage performances and other events – all of which have raised funds for a variety of charities.

She often gives time freely to rest home entertainment, with the children, and she has been on the committee for the North Taranaki Community Arts Council for eight years (five as Treasurer).

While running her own School of Dance, Claire has encouraged many of her students to appear on stage for NPOS over the years (with some following in her footsteps and taking on the role of choreographer), while also encouraging students to further their interests in drama and singing. Claire has dedicated her life to teaching dance in Taranaki and in 2010 celebrated her 50th year of teaching. She has produced, choreographed and directed many productions in the TSB Showplace, giving her students the opportunity to showcase their talents – many of whom have gone on to greater things in the world of dance overseas.

Alice Bovett (Waitara)

Alice Bovett has been involved with St John’s Church Op Shop in Waitara for approximately 16 years. Alice took on the leadership of the shop and saw to its smooth running, often taking clothing home to sort, repair and mend. Alice became the leader, organising the rosters and staff, and seeing to the day to day running and planning of the shop.

Alice joined the Waitara Old Folks and spent 10 years as an office bearer, and she was also awarded life membership to the organization. She held the office of Secretary from 1983 to 1985 and then the office of Secretary and Treasurer from 1986 to 1993.
Alice was also a volunteer for the Waitara Branch of the NZ Red Cross. She drove members of the community to hospital appointments in New Plymouth and also to specialists’ appointments. She also assisted in delivering meals on wheels to the Waitara community on behalf of Red Cross for more than 10 years. Alice was always a willing volunteer when asked to assist with any projects.

Barry Webster (NP)

Barry Webster is nominated for his outstanding community service provided through Reading in Schools, Friends of Tupare, Taranaki Work Trust, Senior Net, Fitzroy Rotary and Project Participation.
Barry has been and continues to be a great Rotarian, given generously of his time and talents, and holding many positions, including President, during his years with Fitzroy Rotary. He has always been a person to assist in projects to raise money to give back to the community, and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award in 2006 (the highest Rotary International Award for Service).

He has been involved with the Reading in Schools project since its inception 10 years ago. The project is run by Fitzroy Rotary Club in nine schools with 216 children being assisted each week in terms two, three and four.

Barry is also a foundation member of Friends of Tupare. He assisted with house tours of Tupare, and now assists with transportation up and down the driveway on event days.

He is a trustee of the Taranaki Work Trust, and has been involved with the trust since December 2001 in restructuring, relocation and putting an emphasis onto Taranaki Work Trust being a training centre for second chance education, and a focus on trades training.

Barry is a volunteer with Senior Net and has provided outstanding service, giving of his talents to tutoring senior citizens in computer skills.

John Huggard (NP)

John Huggard has been involved with the Rotary Club of Fitzroy for over a decade, where he has given generously of his time and talents and has held many positions including President and Secretary. John has been involved in many community projects through Rotary, including the Reading in Schools project since its inception 10 years ago, where attends Welbourn School one Thursday morning a week in terms two, three and four to help children read.

John was a recipient of the Paul Harris Award in 1997 (the highest Rotary International Award for Service).

John has also served on the Beach Street Hall Society Incorporated for 10 years, both as Secretary and Booking Officer, and continues to hold these positions today. These positions are voluntary and John gives freely of his time.

Colin King (Waitara)

Colin King is Taranaki born and bred and has devoted his life to providing musical entertainment for the enjoyment of thousands of people here in Taranaki and many other parts of the world.

Colin has been a great supporting entertainer in relation to the annual nostalgia concerts, run by Taranaki Disabilities Information Centre Trust to celebrate the Year of the Older Person since 2000. He uses these concerts as a platform for a fundraiser towards Hospice Taranaki by selling his music CDs for this particular cause. He is a lifetime honorary member of the Australian Musicians Union.

He has spent more than 60 years entertaining in dance bands, carnivals and concerts. His music is very much enjoyed by the audiences attending the nostalgia concerts, and is still entertaining regularly at retirement villages and rest homes.

Colin is an honorary member of the Waitara Rotary Club, assisted in raising thousands of dollars for NZ Heart Foundation, hospice and Legacy. He has also been involved in the development of the Waitara Marine Park and the upgrade of the Waitara Memorial Hall.