Nomination for town's 'God send'

Robert Pink has been a God send to "our little community of Rawene," according to the admirer who has nominated him for a Pride of New Zealand award (community spirit).

"He started out about eight years ago, getting the youth of the area interested in riding and caring for horses," the nominator wrote.

Most of those young people had nothing to do, after school and during school holidays, so Mr Pink took on the job of looking after the local recycling centre to raise the money needed to buy horses and help with the cost of saddles, bridles, horse blankets etc.

"Of course there was never enough money to cover all of these things, and so his hand was in his pocket to cover the shortfall," the nomination continued.

"He grazes these horses on his land, and obtains permission to put a couple of horses on any spare paddock that presents a suitable spot. Although he does get help from Pub Charities for the funding of these things, his hand is still in his pocket when this funding runs out, which is often.

"He teaches these youths how to ride, care for and learn the language of horse sense. He gives his time and skills freely, and youths flock to him. [They] now have events that they look forward to each year, such as horse treks, brumby races[which have become a regular event on the local calendar, drawing large crowds], and of late horse games. He has started to teach the younger children how to do barrel races and small jumps in an arena that he has organised on a piece of community land that was an eyesore and not being utilised.

"He puts on barbecues for them from time to time, and if you asked the police what the youth crime rate is like nowadays they would probably say next to nil.

"I often see this man in the weekends and afternoons with the youths and children, giving instruction and advice, and from what I have been told many of these young people have gone on to get meaningful employment and become good citizens. How I wish we could clone this man and have at least a dozen in our little area.

"He is very deserving of our praise and pride. We would like very much to see his efforts rewarded."

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Nominations for the inaugural Pride of New Zealand awards, to celebrate New Zealanders who make the most positive, uplifting and inspiring contributions to their community, can be made online (www.prideofnzawards.co.nz). Nominees' stories will be told by the award's media partners, the NZ Herald, APN NZ's community newspapers (including the Northland Age), working alongside The Hits and TSB Bank customers.

A panel of prominent New Zealanders will judge the awards, in the categories of bravery/heroism, community spirit, Fundraiser of the Year, emergency services, environmental and lifetime achievement.

The TSB Bank will organise the People's Choice Award, which will be decided by the public from amongst the finalists.

Full details can be found on the website.