Community award to cyclone vollies at NZer of the Year ceremony

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Tireless work by volunteers in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle has been recognised at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year awards.

The New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau category was won by Cyclone Gabrielle Volunteers (Across Aotearoa) for “showing unwavering dedication and embodying the spirit of unity and solidarity in times of crisis”.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz attended the awards on Wednesday to represent the Gisborne-based volunteers.

“It was a privilege to attend the New Zealander of the Year awards ceremony in Auckland,” she said.

“Tears were flowing as they reflected on the huge amount of work our volunteers did to look after our community during this tough time. The award acknowledges all Cyclone Gabrielle volunteers across the country.

“Their work is ongoing as our volunteers still serve us every day on our journey to recovery.”

Gisborne’s Graeme Atkins was one of the three nominees for the Environmental Hero of the Year award won by Auckland conservationist Nicola MacDonald.