Pride of NZ: Facilitator with boundless energy

The Travelling Tuataras' Jill Walker has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award. Photo / File

Rotorua creative Jill Walker has been nominated for the Community Spirit Award as part of the Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Ms Walker of The Travelling Tuataras has worked tirelessly for many years, according to her nominator.

Her nominator said she set up events and activities that enabled people to participate and learn through numerous creative platforms.

"She is a mentor for people in her community wanting to develop their own skills and much of her work is done on a voluntary basis. [She] has the ability as a facilitator to ensure everyone is heard and acknowledged throughout the process of community arts development.

"Her work is wide reaching from early childhood to adult education and she displays a passion for inclusiveness and accessibility within the arts field. [She] supports and honours other artists in their many forms by sharing her broad knowledge through her own extensive networks."

Ms Walker said she was extremely honoured to have been nominated.

"All my life I have just been given these amazing opportunities. I've been surrounded by people who believe in me. Anything I have ever been involved with has been a combination of people sharing their hopes and their dreams, and I feel like I'm just a conductor," she said.

"I like to think that one of the gifts I've been given is to enable and encourage people to use their gifts and talents, and to create opportunities for them to do that. For me, it's about getting involved with people, hearing their stories and knowing that I am part of that, and hoping that I'm making a difference in the world."

Some of Ms Walker's community work includes Night Magic - a children's literature celebration, Children's Day celebrations, ArtsMad - organising and hosting speakers who share innovative, inspirational presentations and Children's Art House - where Ms Walker is a founding member and Trust member.

More recently Ms Walker co-ordinated and facilitated a successful interactive art installation to mark the 100-year Gallipoli commemorations.

-Nominations for the Pride of New Zealand Awards have now closed.