The Whanganui Regional Heritage Awards, held on Thursday, October 1, highlighted the range and beauty of the region's heritage and history.
The 53 entrants from throughout Ruapehu, Rangitikei and Whanganui all received certificates in any one or more of eight categories plus four special awards.
The highlights of the evening included the Supreme Award Winner Hadleigh Reid for Ridgway Chambers, Award Plaque winners Bernice Frost and Anthea Hatfield, for the Old BNZ, Raetihi, and the Heritage Hero Award to Ross Mitchell-Anyon and the Judges' Special Mention Award to Whanganui District Council, accepted by mayor Hamish McDouall in recognition of the four council-owned buildings recently strengthened.
Councillors from Ruapehu, Rangitikei and Whanganui attended together with Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson and Whanganui mayor Hamish McDouall, plus MP for Whanganui Harete Hipango.
The three judges, who travelled from Christchurch, Gisborne and Wellington, announced all place getters over the evening and awards were presented by the sponsors.
A standing ovation was given to Ross Mitchell-Anyon, a celebrated potter and Whanganui heritage advocate who received the Heritage Hero Award. Ross has purchased numerous heritage buildings over the years, simply to save them from demolition.
"He has been a guardian of our heritage," says awards manager Helen Craig, who also MC'd for the awards, held at Heritage House, Whanganui, to a sell-out crowd of 200.
A stunning glass vessel by local glass artist Katie Brown was awarded to the Supreme Winner. Ridgway Chambers was a neglected ruin, but has been fully restored and now houses Brown & Co - Katie's own showroom.
"When the artist was chosen for the awards, we had no idea who the winner would be, so it was pure coincidence Katie's work was chosen," says Helen Craig.
The awards, to be held every two years, kicked off Whanganui Heritage Month which runs from October 1 to 31 with 49 events. Full details are in a printed guide available at libraries and cafes and online at www.whanganuiheritagetrust.org.nz.