Volunteers who give their time, skill and energy to help others have been recognised for their commitment, passion and dedication to their community.
The recipients of eight Civic Awards and a Meritorious Award were acknowledged at the Napier Civic Awards at the Napier War Memorial Centre tonight.
Mayor Kirsten Wise, who led proceedings, believes the annual event is an important way to honour some of the people who make Napier a resilient, engaged and vibrant community.
“The Civic Awards are our opportunity to pay tribute to individuals who give so much and ask so little in return,” says Mayor Wise. “So often, these are people who fly under the radar, who don’t want praise, who believe in working hard for the good of everyone in their community. Through these awards we can give them the appreciation they deserve, as they stand as rolemodels for the rest of us, and those younger generations stepping up to take on volunteer and community-focused roles.”
“There are countless people who go above and beyond for Napier, for our people and the places that make us special, but these recipients are truly inspiring. They share what they know, support others and lead by example without expecting anything in return.”
This year’s Civic Award recipients are Bruce Carnegie, Christine Batista, Colin Francis (posthumous), Dave Halliday, Dorothy and Denis Pilkington, Mike Bishop, Rachael Brownrigg and Sonya Aifai. Historian Patrick Parsons was recognised with The Meritorious Award.
MERITORIOUS AWARD
Patrick Parsons: The former teacher is an historian and author renowned for his meticulous research and knowledge of whakapapa. His contributions have informed many Waitangi Tribunal claims and books, and been submitted as Environment Court evidence. He is regarded as a taonga, now passing his knowledge on to younger generations.
CIVIC AWARDS
Bruce Carnegie: The Napier & Districts Grey Power Association president spends hours each week working for the organisation. His nominators say Bruce is committed to ensuring older people enjoy the best possible living environment, and this award is a fitting tribute to his commitment and willingness to help older people from all walks of life.
Christine Batista: The lifelong animal lover has dedicated much of the past 10 years to ensuring every suitable dog and pup finds a forever home. For the past five years she has worked with Napier City Council Animal Control to rehome abandoned or rescued canines. She is described as exceptional, genuinely caring, and an inspiration.
Colin Francis: Colin believed strongly in supporting his local community as much as possible, and avoided advertising his generosity whenever he could. For over 40 years, his philanthropic efforts supported education, personal development, health, welfare, agriculture, and sport, in particular rugby and basketball. The Francis Foundation, established by Colin and his family, will offer ongoing support to schools throughout the region. Colin passed away in April 2024.
Dave Halliday: The former Te Awa School principal has been a Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) volunteer for the past 15 years. He helped develop a training programme, served on the Napier CAB board, and was its chair for six years. Dave is known for dishing out encouragement to new volunteers, and for his patient and respectful manner with CAB clients, whoever they may be.
Mike Bishop: Mike has been a member of the Scouting ‘family’ for 16 years, playing a significant role in keeping the troop going through the pandemic lockdown and post-cyclone period. Earlier this year he was awarded a Bronze Tiki, an NZ Scout Association Special Service Award for outstanding and ongoing service. Mike’s scouting name is Kauri, a symbol of strength, resilience, and spirituality.
Dorothy and Denis Pilkington: Dorothy and Denis have been honorary life members of the NZ Historic Places Trust, now Heritage New Zealand, since 2005. They have been volunteers at the Old Customhouse in Ahuriri for over 10 years. They have used their skills in a range of ways, such as leading the placement of storyboards in sites such as Main Street.
Rachel Brownrigg: Rachel is considered a driving force behind the success of the Hawke’s Bay Young Musician of the Year, the biggest of its kind in the country. She has contributed to the successful running of events such as The Big Sing, Kids’ Sing, and the Napier Performing Arts Competitions. A music teacher for 40 years, she has also offered pastoral care to registered music teachers.
Sonya Aifai: The Napier Operatic Society secretary and life member founded the society’s theatre school, and annual Christmas all-ages show, encouraging performers from Pasifika, Māori, and neurodivergent backgrounds. She regularly takes charge of the complex task of catering for shows. Sonya has also previously been involved with Porritt School’s kapa haka group and volunteered for the NZ Singing School.