Supreme award to Kaikohe

Kaikohe's Mill Gym was last night named as the supreme winner of the 2012 TrustPower Far North Community Awards at a function at Kaitaia's Te Ahu.

Along with the title went a trophy and $1500, and the chance to represent the Far North at the 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards, which will be staged in the Far North in March next year.

TrustPower community relations co-ordinator Suzi Luff said the Mill Gym was doing more than just providing a place to work out. It was getting young people off the streets and into a positive environment, boosting their confidence in their fitness and sports while encouraging healthy choices.

Four volunteers provided complete training to suit a range of sporting interests, including boxing, power lifting and general strength and fitness training. Classes for adults as well as specifically for youth and women saw all sectors of the community using the gym, and training side by side.

Classes were free for members from the age of 10 until they left school, and the facilities were now being utilised by three local schools as part of their curriculum. A nutritionist visited once a week at no cost to members.

"The Mill Gym has a community centre feel, where people catch up with mates while they train. It's giving youth more options while harnessing their energy in a constructive way," Ms Luff said.

"We think what the Mill Gym is achieving is an inspirational story of people volunteering to provide a much-needed community resource, and it must be shared across the district and throughout New Zealand.

A field of 49 contenders for awards produced the following winners.

Heritage and environment - Heritage Kaikohe. Runner-up - The Northland Firehouse Museum Trust (Okaihau). Commended - Kawakawa Memorial Library Museum.

Health and well-being - KUP (Kaitaia Union Parish) Kitchen. Runner-up - Bay of Islands SPCA.

Arts and culture - Aroha Music Society (Kerikeri). Runner-up - Kaikohe Community Arts Council.

Sport and leisure - Kaikohe Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Runner-up - the Hokianga Sailing Trust.

Education and child/youth development - Kingsfire (Omapere/Opononi). Runner-up - SeniorNet Doubtless Bay.