Three people have received Ruapehu's 2020 Citizen of the Year Awards.
Mark Federicks and Sally Lashmar, of Owhango, and Major Patrick Hibbs (retired), of Motuoapa, were the recipients of the annual awards, presented at this week's Ruapehu District Council meeting.
Federicks and Lashmar were jointly awarded the Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award for establishing Owhango Alive and their ongoing leadership of the predator control volunteer group. The Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award is presented to a resident or residents living within the National Park, Taumarunui and Ohura Ward areas.
Owhango Alive was established in 2011 to develop predator control lines and monitor the traps. It has since recorded over 5000 kills.
In addition to the work of managing the trap lines Owhango Alive produces a regular newsletter that keeps the volunteers and community up-to-date on the success of trapping efforts, as well as with stories and information on local flora and fauna, and local events.