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Citizens' and Youth Awards

Meet New Plymouth District’s 2025 local legends

Caption: Back; Helen Parr, Chris Herlihy, Lance Girling-Butcher, Mayor Neil Holdom, Rob Green, Kenneth Swan, Anna Richardson. Front; Barbara Hammonds, Tina Koch, Aideon Henderson Pearce, Gay Laurence, Kevin Laurence. Absent; Mark Louis.

Youth Awards

Aideon Henderson Pearce

Aideon has been part of Zeal Taranaki for more than three years and part of the Kaitiaki Community Care team since the start of 2025. The Kaitiaki Community Care initiative involves providing free garden services, which sees Aideon joining other rangatahi to help people in the community.

Citizens’ Awards

Lance Girling-Butcher, QSM

Forced to retire as a journalist when he lost his sight in 2006, Lance didn’t stay idle, with a stint as an NPDC Councillor and becoming a remarkable leader and advocate for Positive Ageing, establishing New Plymouth as the second Age Friendly City in New Zealand. He was New Zealand’s first ever Ambassador for Older Adults and has advocated for better facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities. In 2016 he received the QSM (Queen’s Service Medal) for his services to the blind and seniors.

Rob Green

Rob is a passionate musical artist, who in his spare time shares his love of music with his community. He plays the piano for rest home residents and encourages young people to play music. Rob has helped fundraise a considerable amount of money for Taranaki Hospice and his enthusiasm for Taranaki history is evident in his work over the years for Heritage Taranaki. He has also shown great service through his synod work with the Taranaki Cathedral and is also in the choir.

Barbara Hammonds

Barbara has given an enormous amount of time, dedication and expertise to many environmental causes over decades. She has volunteered countless hours for organisations such as Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society, Taranaki Seedsavers, the Taranaki Botanical Society and many others. She was the driving force behind establishing community composting education in Taranaki and continues that work.

Chris Herlihy

Chris has been a strong champion for the LGBTQI community, working behind the scenes to help establish Pride Taranaki. He has been a committee member of the Friends of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery since 2000, serving as chair from 2006-2009. Chris has been instrumental in organising exhibitions, openings, events and concerts at the gallery for more than two decades.

Tina Koch

Tina has run the Seaside Market for many years. She encourages people to expand their small businesses and gives them a place to market and sell their goods. She’s worked alongside Sustainable Taranaki to encourage recycling. She has been a big supporter of the Young Enterprise Scheme, sponsoring Year 12 and 13 students wanting to set up stalls at the markets.

Gay and Kevin Laurence

Gay and Kevin are exemplary individuals who have served countless hours at the Ingelwood Heritage Centre. Over the past nine years, they have curated, researched and presented more than 20 exhibitions. Gay has interviewed many locals, gathered historical photos and documented stories of businesses that no longer exist, while Kevin has skilfully crafted displays and brought exhibitions to life.

Helen Parr

Helen has been contributing to the community for many years and has been involved in cadets, coastguard and Girl Guides. She has very strong family and friendship values. Helen is one of those people who blossoms as she helps others. As a respected church leader, she puts together creative activities to support youth. Helen has contributed to the community for more than 30 years.

Anna Richardson

Anna contributes a tonne of time to support local charities and businesses. A radio host for more than 15 years, she used her platform to shine a light on important local issues and charities, and shared incredible stories of people making a difference in the community. She often interviewed volunteers and event organisers and gave people a voice to inspire the region – while also helping out behind the scenes.

Kenneth Swan

Ken is an iconic voice on Taranaki’s airwaves and has been unwavering in his support for the community. As a radio host for More FM, he has been a great voice of reason who continues to inform the district about major events, weather warnings, changes in local services and important local news. Ken is a volunteer for Taranaki Emergency Management and been involved with many charities including Women’s Refuge, New Plymouth Foodbank and many more.

Previous award winners

Page last updated: 03:18pm Tue 29 July 2025

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