Celebrating community volunteers
It was another busy week in the electorate last week with some of the great servants of our community receiving well-deserved recognition.
On Thursday I really enjoyed speaking at the Horowhenua Civic Awards at Te Takere where many volunteers were acknowledged for outstanding community service. We are lucky to have so many local people who choose to help others.
Six local students were presented with Youth Excellence Scholarships, and there were five Civic Honours Awards presented. These included Gary O’Brien (Horowhenua College Guidance Counsellor), Friends of the Horowhenua Libraries, Yvonne Symonds, Graham Smellie (Nature Coast) and Allan Birrell (Rotary and Mens Shed). Congratulations to all the worthy recipients.
Friday was of course a busy day around Levin with the two Olympic rowers Joseph Sullivan and Peter Taylor. They both gave up their time to visit our community and help the Horowhenua Rowing Club get back on their feet after the recent mindless vandalism.
They were a big hit with the students at Waiopeheu College and Levin East Primary School, and also gave local rowers a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session on the Manawatu River. A fundraising auction that evening helped raise around $3000 for the club.
On Saturday I attended a farewell function for Richard Campbell, the outgoing Principal of Paraparaumu College. Richard arrived at the College in 1988 when the roll was 940, and has seen the roll grow to over 1300 today.
Richard has always had a strong focus on student excellence and achievement, and has been a strong advocate for his school. All the best for your next challenge Richard.
Also on Saturday I visited the Levin Samoan Methodist Church and was proud to present trophies to young achievers who have done their church proud.
My third function on Saturday was the Paraparaumu Fire Brigade’s Honours evening, where Chief Fire Officer Wayne Sarjeant QSM received a long-service award. Wayne is retiring after 35 years of outstanding service to the community.
Congratulations to everyone recognised at these events for making our community a better place to live.