Celebrating ‘beating heart’ of the community

Gisborne District Council Civic Award winners, back, from left, Rod Cutts, Hans van Kregten, Pramod Kumar, Tai Kerekere and Baljeet Sandhu. Middle, from left, Wendy Davies, Mayor Rehette Stoltz, Bevan Chapman, Richard Briant and David Parker. Front, from left, Sarwan Kumar, Meredith Stewart, Graeme Revell, Tony Barnby and Kaaterina Kerekere. Picture by Liam Clayton

Every year the Gisborne District Council honours those people it calls “the beating heart of the community”.

These good sorts, unsung heroes and community characters are  acknowledged with a civic award, for their substantial voluntary service which benefits the people of Tairāwhiti.

This year’s Civic Award winners:

Rod Cutts has spent 37 years with Gisborne Civic Band, filling  many roles on the committee. He performs at dawn services for Anzac Day, civic services, Te Karaka services, RSA Armistice Day and raises funds for the band to travel for events and competitions.

Graeme Revell has given countless hours to the East Coast Museum of Technology over 44 years, 20 of those on the committee. He is heavily involved with Gisborne Vintage Car Club (51 years), raises money for the Cancer Society and is a member and volunteer for the Alzheimers Gisborne Tairāwhiti (15 years).

Tony Barnby,  a true community stalwart, volunteers as a driver/assistant with the Sunshine Bus Service, and has done for the past 20 years. He also dedicates his time to Tairāwhiti Hospice and Age Concern.

Bevan Chapman, a radio host with More FM dedicates much of his time to community and fundraising events, often as MC. He was also a key link for communication with our community during Cyclone Gabrielle.

Merit Awards go to four individuals, groups and organisations who show ongoing dedication and passion for the region.

This year’s recipients:

Wendy Davies has dedicated 54 years to Waerenga-a-Hika Hall. She’s also a coordinator and event organiser for Blind Low Vision NZ and is heavily involved with local and out-of-town events, including the Early Bird Flea Market, and, as  the president of the Poverty Bay Horticultural Society, the annual Summer Rose and Iris Show and the Floral Festival.

Tai and Kaatarina Kerekere were instrumental in connecting and checking on community during the Covid19 pandemic and the Cyclone Gabrielle response. They’re heavily involved in Māori arts and culture and also provide support to Te Aitanga a Hauiti Hauora and Te Aitanga a Māhaki iwi.

Tairawhiti Multicultural Council members Sarwan Kumar, Hans van Kregten, Baljeet Sandhu, Meredith Stewart and Pramod and Lata Kumar. As a group, the team promote cultural diversity and provide a voice for minority groups in the region. They support the community in many ways, making thousands of meals during the Cyclone  Gabrielle response and organising events for all to enjoy.

Hear 4U volunteers David Parker, Richard Briant and Brian Horwell. All volunteer their time to the Hear4U mental health and suicide prevention charity, and the wider community.