Four members of the community were presented with citizens awards at a ceremony in the Stratford District Council chambers last week.
On Wednesday evening, friends, family and whanau gathered to recognise and celebrate the achievements of Rawinia Noble, June Schneller, Neil Smillie and David Walter. Absent from the ceremony was this year's youth recipient, Jordan Wood. Jordan was unable to attend the ceremony as he was attending a leadership camp in the United States.
Jordan will be presented with his award at a ceremony later in the year.
Mayor Neil Volzke told those gathered that the first citizens awards were presented in 1991, and 93 awards have now been given in total. Describing the recipients throughout the years as being "an illustrious list," Neil said recipients "have to be very special to receive an award, as each year we add just a few names to the list".
The selection critieria, said Neil, requires candidates to have demonstrated leadership, inspiration, dedication, commitment to their cause and longevity, as well as having sacrificed their personal time to the benefit of the wider community. Neil said recognition is also due to the unsung heroes the friends and family who support and enable the recipients to do the good work they do. Offering his congratulations, "and thanks for all that you do for our town," Neil presented each of the recipients with their award and a bouquet of flowers.
