The Gisborne event was held at the Bushmere Arms yesterday.
Gisborne’s local heroes are:Chris Sharp — In the 52 years he has been involved with Gisborne Search and Rescue Mr Sharp has led many successful search and rescue missions and continues to give everything he can to a role he loves. Among his extra contributions, he has helped raise thousands of dollars for Gisborne Search and Rescue, and has established a search system to locate wandering people with dementia.
Kay Baxter — A world-renowned teacher, permaculturist, educator and writer, Kay Baxter is credited with founding the Koanga Institute, growing a small seed collection from gardeners across the country into the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most comprehensive seed repository.
Neville Clark — Over the years Neville Clarke has dedicated hundreds of hours of time as an auctioneer for charity events in the Gisborne region, his humour and skill guaranteeing successful events. “Neville’s support of the community is unwavering and he is always ready to lend a hand.”
Timothy Marshall — Involved in all areas of the community from sports, to education and social causes, Mr Marshall in 2006 co-founded Tairawhiti Men Against Violence to help eliminate violence by men towards their partners and families. He has also spent the past two decades supporting Gisborne Harrier Club, is currently vice president of Waka Ama New Zealand and is chairman of the Matapuna Training Centre.
Rae Te Nahu — As secretary of the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group, Rae Te Nahu works with other community members to enhance the Whangawehi stream and its biodiversity. “Rae is a hard worker and is fully committed to the Mahia community, often helping with school projects, planting trees and organising meetings.”
Judith Livingston — Judith Livingston has given almost 50 years of voluntary service to the community through her work with organisations including Gisborne Concert Band, Musical Theatre Gisborne, Gisborne Sister Cities, Women’s Refuge, Children’s Day, Gisborne Civic Orchestra, Salvation Army, Gisborne Neo-Natal Unit, Gisborne Community House Charitable Trust and Alzheimer’s Society Gisborne.
Whaiora Enoka – Whaiora Enoka was a founding member of Ka Pai Kaiti, formed in 2000 by residents who wanted to make Kaiti an even better place to live. “She is a nanny, mother and kaiawhina to her community and is always looking out for the needy, even supporting the terminally ill through their final days.”
Betty Thompson — An active member of Puha Women’s Institute, Betty Thompson has held the role of president for the East Coast, among other executive positions for the Women’s Institute. She works closely with young adults with special needs and puts her many skills to good use as a dedicated fundraiser.
Tui Takarangi – A retiring health promotion adviser and an active member of the E Tu Elgin Trust committee, Tui Takarangi works with whanau, hapu, iwi and the wider community to enhance the wellbeing and lives of others. She is the newly-elected Maori Women’s Welfare League regional area representative and is involved with Te Puawaitanga O Ruatoria.
Jean Weke – Jean Weke is a te reo Maori advocate and tohunga raranga (specialist in weaving) who is generous with her time, money, energy and passion. As well as supporting many kapa haka groups, she weaves taonga for events from weddings to tangihanga, and is committed to passing her skills on to future generations, especially those affiliated with Whangara Marae and her iwi Ngati Porou.
