Nominations for the Napier Civic Awards are now open to find and celebrate the city’s unsung heroes and all round good sorts.
The Awards were established 44 years ago to recognise people who have given exceptional voluntary service to Napier. While traditionally it has been the older generation that gets nominated, the judging panel is encouraging people to also think about younger unsung heroes who demonstrate community spirit and service to the people of Napier. Decades of accomplishments is not compulsory they say.
Past winners have volunteered in a variety of ways across a wide range of organisations including sports clubs, performing arts groups, RSA, Trade Aid, St John Ambulance, Meals on Wheels, KidsCan, Red Cross, Napier Community Patrol and Scouts.
Gary Macdonald, a 2020 Napier Civic Award winner, has been an active volunteer for Hawke’s Bay Rugby for more than 40 years. After starting out as a young player, he began volunteering by putting out signs, selling tickets and assisting with ground control. He now holds the position of match manager, where he leads and delivers a group of 100 volunteers at every Magpies and Hurricanes match.
Gary encourages anyone who knows a hard-working volunteer to consider putting their name forward.
“There are plenty of volunteers out in the community who don’t work for recognition, but are deserving of a Civic Award.”
Nominations close at 12 noon on Friday 9 April. For further information about the awards, or to fill in a nomination form, go to www.napier.govt.nz