Just look what local people can do

Focus Paihia, with Trustpower's community relations manager Graeme Purches (far left) and Mayor John Carter.

Countless compliments were paid when the 2014 Trustpower Far North Community Awards were presented at Te Ahu in Kaitaia on Saturday night, but the biggest of them were reserved for supreme award winner Focus Paihia.

Trustpower community relations representative Jess Somerville said it was incredible what could be achieved when people came together to take charge of their own community's future and achieve a common goal.

Formally established in 2010, Focus Paihia was launched by a group of people with an ambitious vision for their town.

"They wanted Paihia to blossom and thrive, and they have involved and facilitated the community's ideas every step of the way," Ms Somerville said.

"Over the last 12 months, with incredible community support, ample fundraising and community spirit under their Phantom Placemaker alias, they actioned their biggest project yet, which saw a waterfront carpark revamped and revitalised with greenery and public spaces.

"Under the name Horotutu [Our Place], this space underwent a considerable transformation, with each layer of the project carried out on a lean budget with materials sourced from donations where possible or obtained at cost."

Elements within that project included the 'Free Little Library' book exchange, housed in a red telephone box, 16 large moveable outdoor wave seats and seating that was constructed around trees in the park, giant noughts and crosses game boards, a piece of stone art, a water bottle refilling station (initiated by Opua School children), a public piano, substantial decking, a stunning water feature and "incredible" lighting.

"Every layer of this project has been volunteer-driven, involving hundreds of volunteers, contractors donating their time and volunteer bakers across the community. Then there is the team helping to fund the project at the Focus Paihia Opportunity Shop, run entirely by volunteers, which provided one-third of the entire budget," she added.

The project was particularly powerful in that it was community-driven and -implemented.

"It

(Focus Paihia) has turned a formally unloved carpark into a hugely popular green space using a recipe that links hands and hearts in a united cause, and has changed Paihia for the better.

You can see the pride right across the community in a cause well supported and a job well done," Miss Somerville said.

Focus Paihia's award comprised a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500. It is also now eligible to represent the Far North at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards, which will be decided in the Wellington region in March.