Working tirelessly for our heritage

Wendy Pettigrew's knowledge of Wanganui and historical research is priceless. Photo/File

An advocate for Wanganui's history and heritage has been nominated for the Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Wendy Pettigrew has played an invaluable role in preserving and recording the history of the built heritage across Wanganui, Rangitikei and Ruapehu.

Born and raised in Wanganui, Miss Pettigrew lived in England for some time before returning to her home town in 1997.

Since then she has devoted her life to the community, using her fundraising skills for the preservation of historical sites and her research skills recording heritage sites for the community - often at her own expense.

Miss Pettigrew has been involved with many community heritage projects in the wider region.

She is a member of the Mainstreet Wanganui Heritage Committee, which works to preserve Wanganui's heritage.

She is the organiser of the Whanganui Summer Programme, and after many years as secretary of the Wanganui Branch Committee of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust she was instrumental in forming the new Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust Board.

She is currently the board's chair.

Miss Pettigrew has always been available for the community to contact to find out information on historic buildings. She shares her knowledge freely and is a cornerstone of our community.

Miss Pettigrew has been nominated in the Lifetime Achievement category of the Pride of New Zealand Awards.