Honours awarded for local heroes

A Stratford woman has been honoured for exceptional work in the community as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2016.

Stratford recycling champion, Collette Holgate was awarded a Local Heroes medal, along with 18 others from Taranaki, at a presentation ceremony in New Plymouth on Monday night.

National awards manager Glyn Taylor, who was hosting the evening, said Collette's enthusiasm and helpful nature had helped change the attitudes of many about recycling.

Stratford mayor, Neil Volzke, who presented the medals along with New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd, says Collette, operator and manager of the Stratford Transfer Station, is a deserving recipient .

Collette thanked the Stratford community and the Stratford District Council for their support, saying she tries to live by the motto 'be the change you want to see in the world'. Before leaving the stage, she reminded everyone present to "keep on recycling".

A passionate haka greeted Kaponga man Neville Phillips when he received his Local Hero medal on the night. The award recognised his work with the START programme supporting at-risk teenagers in Taranaki. Past and present students along with some of his employees gathered at the back and performed a haka.

"216 boys have learned that haka," an emotional Neville told the audience. "It is taught to all our START boys so now it is heard all around the country. It always sends shivers down my spine".

Speaking after the ceremony, 15-year-old Mason Chapman said he was proud to perform the haka to recognise the man he credits with giving him a fresh start in life. Mason has just completed the START programme and says the success of the programme is down to Neville.

Another 'dude" to be recognised on the evening was Gary Sarten, known to many as the "bike dude". The Lepperton man has fixed, reconditioned and serviced bikes for more than two generations of youngsters in the area, all at no charge.

Gary is a firm believer that children should be outside rather than watching television, and sees bike ownership as a way to encourage them to spend more time outside being active. He said he was proud to stand alongside so many other volunteers on the night. "The whole of New Zealand society relies on volunteers. If we had to rely on the government, we'd be screwed!"

"I am surprised to be recognised as a hero," said Inglewood woman Jean Pierce. "To me a hero is someone who steps out of their comfort zone, and I have always been quite comfy taking money from people!"

To laughter and applause, Jean thanked all involved in the awards ceremony after receiving her medal recognising her tireless efforts in both the Inglewood and Egmont Village communities. A master at fundraising, Jean was a founding committee member for the Egmont Village School and Community Hall project. Serving on the Inglewood Community Board for more than 20 years, Jean took charge of organising centennial celebrations at the Inglewood Town Hall.

The full list of Taranaki people who received awards on Monday: Denyse Betteridge, Gabby Devine, Gavin Faull, Paul Franklin, David Harrop, Grant Hassall, Christopher Hinton, Collette Holgate, Vivian Honnor, Juliette Amelia Mace, Sharlee Mareikura, Ronald Millman, Neville Phillips, Jean Pierce, Gary Sarten, Maree Schumacher, Rochelle Steer, Grazia Toon, Raewyn Wolfe and Rae June Yearbury.