Pride of NZ: In tune with the youngsters

Lovey Read.

Lovey Read

Community Spirit category: For over 30 years, young people in Stratford, Taranaki have benefited from Lovey Read's commitment to her community. From running holiday programmes to providing alternate education, the social worker has been the voice for generations of youth in the town.

"If there is a need and it isn't being met, then I find a way to meet it, it's the only way problems can be solved," she says.

At 64, Ms Read is a few decades older than the people she speaks up for, but that doesn't mean she doesn't understand their problems and issues.

"It always comes back to the same thing, where there is poverty, there will be social issues and there will be problems in the community."

More than 30 years ago, Ms Read started the PAC centre, named after Pacman which was then popular among youngsters.

The People's Activity Centre still runs today, operating out of rooms at Whakaahurangi Marae, offering young people a place to be and the chance to find their direction in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.

Ms Read believes that no matter what ethnicity or background someone has, much can be learned from spending time on the marae.

"They learn tikanga, they learn to understand and respect Maori protocols, and understand their own history and sense of belonging."

Ms Read says her own mother has been an inspiration to her.

While her peers may be looking at slowing down and retiring, Ms Read is as dedicated to Stratford's young as she was 30 years ago.

"There's so much to do still."

For more coverage of the awards, go here or to nominate someone, go to the Pride of New Zealand Awards website.