Auckland salutes 'Living Legends'

A Catholic priest who helps ex-prisoners with alcohol and drug problems is among five Aucklanders to be named "Living Legends" by city mayor Dick Hubbard.

The other recipients of the award include the founder of a trust which enables women to get education later in life, and a doctor heavily involved in working with refugees.

The award was instigated by Mr Hubbard after he discovered there was a lack of formal recognition for people who make a difference to the lives of fellow Aucklanders.

"Voluntary work is not always highly valued in our city," Mayor Dick Hubbard said.

"I believe it should be. The health of a city has much to do with the amount of voluntary work that goes on behind the scenes."

The recipients are:

Yvonne Dabb - Yvonne has been working with Brownies and Girl Guides for the past 50 years and is regarded as one of the most respected leaders in the Girl Guides movement in Blockhouse Bay and the wider Auckland region.

Terence Dibble - a Catholic Priest from Grey Lynn, Terry is well known for his work in the community particularly with justice issues. He helps provide accommodation for former prison inmates with alcohol and drug problems and assists many young people with behaviour problems.

Gordon Hodson - a long time resident of Waiheke, Gordon has been the voice for the people of the island on many issues. Most recently he has been an active member of CaPoW (Community and People of Waiheke) where he remains one of the driving forces behind this residents' group.

Dr Nagalingham Rasalingham - A GP from Glen Innes, Dr Rasalingham has been a key member of Auckland Ethnic Councils and Refugee Councils for many years and is widely respected for his work with refugee and migrant communities.

Isabella Tedcastle - Isabella has been actively involved in her Eastern Bays community including Parent Committees, Women's Refuge, Golden Age, Disabled Society and Presbyterian Women's Association. She is also a key member of New Horizon's Trust for Women - a trust that sets up scholarships for second chance education for women.

Each of the five will be presented with a certificate and a pohutukawa tree in appreciation of their outstanding contribution to their communities.

Auckland City Council said Living Legends are selected by the mayor because of their contribution to growth and industry, feats of heroism, excellent voluntary service, being a champion for local issues or generous donors.

Living Legend nominations are received from community boards and are awarded three times a year at the meeting of Auckland City Council. The most recent award was September of this year. Project Crimson donated the pohutukawa trees.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF