A dedicated musical tutor, veteran netball umpire, devoted advocate for disability, student supporting mental health, doctor and numerous community stalwarts and volunteers are among a group of local legends recognised with a NPDC Youth and Citizens’ Award.
The three youth award recipients and 11 citizen award winners were announced at an event hosted by New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom last night, recognising the contributions the residents make to the district.
Established in 1979, the annual awards honour residents who go the extra mile and make a big positive change to lives of people in their hometown.
This year was the first time a Youth Awards have been included, to honour outstanding 12 to 24-year-olds who didn’t meet the long service criteria of the Citizens’ Award but do amazing work in the community.
Nominated by the public, recipients are then selected by the Mayor and Councillors.
“These exceptional people make a huge difference in helping others and improving the lives of many people in the New Plymouth district,” says Mayor Holdom.
“I am particularly proud that we introduced the youth award to honour the young people who volunteer and do tremendous mahi in their school and community.
Mayor Holdom acknowledged the “unselfish commitment and service” of the recipients.
“The winners are role models for people of all ages and demonstrate just what can be achieved when individuals decide to work for the benefit of others. The New Plymouth district is recognised as a truly special place to live, learn, work and play because of their immense work.”
Caption: From left - Back: Major Michael Fabish, Colin Johnston, Ann Hatch, Mayor Neil Holdom, Ron Payne, Vicki Meijer, Wesley Milne, Second Lieutenant Stephen Bovett. Front: Brian Eriksen, Tiri Porter, Diane Jones, Trevor Bremner, Rin Leadbetter, Kaden Rowe - Absent: Karen Eliason, Hayley Flay and Faith Lokeni.
The 2024 Citizens’ and Youth Award recipients are:
Youth Awards
Rin Leadbetter
Rin organised numerous impactful initiatives focusing on environmental sustainability and began a recycling campaign at Spotswood College. They lead the Queer Straight Alliance group at their school, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students and staff.
Faith Lokeni
Faith supported New Plymouth Girls’ High School Pasifika Group in its community service by assisting the Vaimoana Community Trust’s Pasifika vaccination events. She is an active member in her church community and is a talented rugby and netball player.
Kaden Rowe
Kaden raised money for local mental health organisations through his woodwork carvings and artwork. He is a talented young artist who cares for his own self-care and is a big advocate for mental health awareness. Kaden started his own charity organisation two years ago called Kaden’s Charity Woodwork Shop Est 2022.
Citizens’ Awards
Trevor Bremmer
Trevor played a big part in the success of the New Plymouth Brass Band during his tenure as the Musical Director from 1974 up until 2000. He was instrumental in bringing notable brass soloists and composers not only to New Zealand, but to New Plymouth. In his spare time, the 81-year-old voluntarily teaches and aids local brass musicians for free.
Karen Eliason
Karen contributed a lot of her time and energy into the New Plymouth netball community since the early 1980s. She made the most of her role as a teacher to identify young and talented umpires and then supported their development. Her passion for the game helped develop hundreds of umpires in New Plymouth over the years.
Brian Eriksen
Brian has more than 25 years’ experience working in the disability sector and has been with the Taranaki Disability Information Centre (TIC) for an extraordinary 40 years. He has a wealth of knowledge in the disability field, having served as both President and National Treasurer of the New Zealand Federation of Disability Information Centre.
Hayley Flay
Hayley has been a volunteer at Brooklands Zoo for more than 20 years, where she helps clean the animal enclosures and feeds the animals. Hayley has cerebral palsy but doesn’t let that slow her down with her mahi (work). She takes great pride in her role and is stoked the public love visiting the place where she works.
Ann Hatch
Ann has been the Club Treasurer at the New Plymouth Yacht Club for more than 20 years. Her tireless commitment to the organisation and execution of yacht club affairs and regatta management, has been and continues to be a huge part of the club’s ongoing success.
Colin Johnston
Colin has been a proud supporter of his Waitara community and its people for more than half a century. He was on the Waitara Community Board for nine years, six of those as chair and is currently a Trustee for the Bertrand Road Swing bridge. He is part of many trusts, and he always does what he can to provide the best service for his hometown.
Diane Jones
Doctor Diane Jones has been heavily involved in the Inglewood community for more than 40 years. She is one of the town’s best General Practitioners, having served as a GP for 36 years. Diane has been involved with St John in Inglewood for a long time. Her advice and support were key to the design and construction of the St John Clinic in Inglewood.
Vicki Meijer
Vicki is the Senior Community Relations Manager for Beach Energy, and she lives and breathes community. She has helped homeless and vulnerable residents in the community for more than a decade. Her loyalty and commitment to local charities and community organisations who are supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our city are second to none.
Wesley Milne
Wes has worked tirelessly over the years with young people from the rainbow community. In the time he has held his position with Rainbow YOUTH, Wes has demonstrated true leadership. He has run many workshops across the region, provided a safe space for young people to come together, and has worked closely with many local organisations, including Pride Taranaki.
Ron Payne
Ron was born and raised in Waitara and has been involved with many local organisations. He has been a spectacular servant for his much beloved Waitara community for more than 50 years. He still serves the community through Waitara Lions, Lions Trust, TET Mobility Scheme and North Taranaki Healthcare Trust. The fact he is a life member of Lions, and the Fire Brigade speaks volumes to his efforts and service to these groups.
Tiri Porter
Tiri is a founding member and chair of the Waitara Taiohi Trust which supports a number of youth workers, she also works with hundreds of young people in Waitara. She is a member of Manukorihi Hapū and Chair of the Waitara Food Bank Pataka Kai, He Rau Oranga Trust-Waitara Night Markets and North Taranaki Sport and Recreation Incorporated. She is also a Trustee of the North Taranaki Healthcare Trust and Sustainable Taranaki.
