Youth shine at awards night

Youth shine at awards night

The spirit of Horowhenua shone brightly on Tuesday night as the district gathered to honour its exceptional citizens at the annual Civic Awards.

While long-serving community champions were celebrated for their dedication and impact, it was the remarkable achievements of local rangatahi – recognised through the Youth Excellence Awards – that offered an inspiring glimpse into a vibrant and promising future for the district.

Youth scholarships were presented to 15 local rangatahi who showed outstanding ability in arts and culture, sport, community service and academia. The scholarships recognise the effort, talent and leadership of rangatahi throughout the district by providing practical support as they work toward their goals in their chosen endeavours.

The Arts and Culture recipients also shared performances during the awards evening at Te Takeretanga o Kura hau pō, highlighting the strength of local talent and creativity.

Also recognised were four locals heroes – Mary Davis, Jeffrey Paulin, and Wayne and Debra Kaye – who received Civic Honours, Horowhenua’s highest awards, from Mayor Bernie Wanden.

Mary was recognised for her decades of voluntary service and enduring commitment to hockey, heritage, and community life, and her lasting impact on generations of residents in Horowhenua.

Jeffrey was honoured for his decades as a volunteer spanning many organisations, sports, and cultural groups, reflecting a deep commitment to supporting others and strengthening the social fabric of the district. At the heart of his service is Te Whare Mahana Community Hub.

Wayne and Debra Kaye have been pillars of the Levin RSA. Their commitment, leadership, and volunteer service has spanned 15 years, and  has been instrumental in ensuring the survival and growth of an organisation that has been a cornerstone of Levin for nearly a century.

There were also four Certificates of Recognition recipients – Corey Prouting, Frank Taylor, Jack Gibson, and Robert Ropata Remihana.

Mayor Bernie said the awards were an annual highlight for the council since they began 20 years ago, in 1995.

“Tonight is about celebrating you – your remarkable achievements, your dedication, and the positive impact you’ve made on the lives of those around you,” he said. “Our community is stronger, kinder, and more vibrant because of your contributions.

“The energy, commitment and care everyone brings to our community is what makes evenings like tonight so special. It is a privilege to celebrate these contributions together and to acknowledge the ways in which we all work collectively to make Horowhenua a vibrant and thriving place to live.”

He said the awards were a reminder of what could be achieved through generosity of time, passion and perseverance.

Civic Honours: Mary Davis, Jeffrey Paulin, Wayne and Debra Kaye.

Certificates of Recognition: Corey Prouting, Frank Taylor, Jack Gibson, Robert Ropata Remihana.

Youth Excellence Scholarships

Arts and Culture: Haewon Kim, Hunter Kahukuranui Pakau, Pusa Fonoti, Saoirse Williamson.

Community Service: Tyson Jones, Sienna Laplanche, Dycen Taituha, Owen Winstanley.

Sport: William Dunsmore, Fletcher Warren, Anahera Easton, Finn Pedersen.

Academia: Tareesha Kiran, Liam Roach, Youan Salt.