Eight outstanding Far North residents have been recognised for their voluntary community work with Far North District Council Citizens Awards.
The four men and four women represented a wide variety of activities; from keeping antique steam engines moving, volunteering with the fire brigade for over 50 years, or being a go-to person for numerous community causes.
The awards were launched in 2001 to commemorate the International Year of the Volunteer and recipients for 2016 are:
Jim Powdrill for Volunteer Fire Brigade, Kaikohe Pioneer Village and St John Ambulance work for over 50 years.
Puke Marama Nikora for spiritual guidance and leadership in Kaikohe and for support of the Okorihi Marae Rebuild.
Trevor Bedggood, is a descendant of William Bedggood, the country's first miller, and has served as a volunteer with the Pioneer Village in Kaikohe and the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway in Kawakawa.
Joe Noll has helped make Kaikohe's Lindvart Park a sports and community hub for 40 years and is treasurer of the Kaikohe Business Association.
Dayna Wehi has been volunteering with the Kawakawa St John for four years and rides with a paid St John's officer on 12-hour shifts two or three times a week. She is also Assistant Divisional Manager for St John Youth.
Janet McLean is coach, driver, chief supporter, administrator, fundraiser and President of Kerikeri Gymnastics. For the past 5 years she has taken up to 55 children to gymnastics every week.
Patricia Brott supports several community organisations but was recognised for her Red Cross contribution. She has been a member of the Kaitaia branch for many years as branch President and is Chair of the Claud Switzer Home Auxiliary.
Valerie McGregor is fully involved with the Pastor Cross Kaitaia Hope Christian Centre while her voluntary community work includes helping the marching group, swim club, gymnastics and those in the Far North Special Olympics. She has also been St John area co-ordinator for Caring Caller.
They received their certificates from Lieutenant Commander Angela Barker of the Royal New Zealand Navy and Far North District Councillors Tania McInnes and Ann Court.