Bird trust preying for a win

By KRISTIN MACFARLANE in Rotorua
Most people would have butterflies in their stomachs if they were up for a national title. Rotorua's Debbie Stewart has falcons flying around hers.

The Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust manager is in Greymouth this weekend for the 2005 TrustPower National Community Awards.

The trust is representing Rotorua at the awards after being judged the regional supreme winner. Rotorua deputy mayor Trevor Maxwell is going along to support the local group at the awards.

This is the first time the trust has been selected for the national title and it's up against 19 other organisations around New Zealand.

The Wingspan trust was established 15 years ago and is the only place in New Zealand dedicated to the preservation of native birds of prey, including the endangered New Zealand falcon.

"I'm a little bit nervous but also very excited to be representing Rotorua," Ms Stewart said.

She understands the trust is up against some tough competition but believes there are only benefits to being part of the awards, including national recognition for the project.

Each regional representative at the national awards will make a 10-minute presentation about their group and its achievements and the regional teams themselves then vote for the group they think most deserving of the title of Supreme National Community Award.

The supreme winner receives $2500, a framed certificate and a trophy, while the runner-up gets $1000 and a framed certificate.

Meanwhile, this week is Volunteer Awareness Week and there are many organisations that rely on the support of volunteers.

Bronwen Ropiha, volunteer co-ordinator for IHC Rotorua said people offered their free time and services for lots of reasons.

"To put more back into the community. It's that whole sort of experience and widening your experience and being involved and learning things."

Without volunteers dedicating their time and energy to make the community a better place, Ms Ropiha doubts some organisations would survive.

Estimating the number of volunteers in Rotorua was difficult but without them some organisations would certainly be in trouble, she said.

"So many organisations from IHC, to the Cancer Society to Trade Aid and even the Department of Conservation - some of them couldn't even do their work without volunteers."