Stalwarts honoured for selfless service

Lia Wood

Two Wairarapa people have been honoured for exceptional work in the community as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2015.

Martinborough's Lia Wood and Masterton's Bob Francis were awarded Local Heroes medals, along with 18 others from the Wellington region, at a presentation ceremony in the capital at the end of November.

Ms Wood serves in two officer roles, as treasurer and secretary for Martinborough Plunket, keeping on top of finances and writing up minutes.

Last year, she spearheaded the UCOL house build project, working in conjunction with UCOL, contractors, sponsors and the community to build a house that could be auctioned off.

The auction raised $15,000 for Plunket.

Ms Wood ensures services and family events are maintained in Martinborough, organising the Great Martinborough Plunket Garage Sale and the teddy bears' picnic.

She is working on a major project to include Plunket rooms in the new town hall buildings.

The judges said that, thanks to Ms Wood, many mothers and families around Martinborough and Wairarapa had the support they needed.

Mr Francis was recognised for his many years of service to Wairarapa.

Having served as mayor of Masterton for more than 20 years, he continued in key positions after his retirement.

That has included work in many community projects, including Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre, Wings over Wairarapa and the Wairarapa Water Project Governance Group.

Mr Francis has been an international rugby referee and only recently retired as an international referees selector.

Highly respected, he had been an amazing mentor to the community and always made time to assist anyone seeking his help, the judges said.

Two hundred and one medals will be presented nationwide during the coming weeks, with one national of the Local Heroes winners to be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards in February next year.

Kiwibank chief executive Paul Brock said they were proud to support local communities and acknowledge the achievements of outstanding individuals.

"Every day there are special people working tirelessly to make other Kiwis better off.

"They would be the first to say they are not special people but we know otherwise.

"That's why we have the Local Heroes awards. It's the community's way of honouring and saying thanks to these fine people."

The five award categories are: Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year, University of Auckland Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year, Mitre 10 Community of the Year and Sanitarium Innovator of the Year.