Tireless work in city earns award

Years of feeding hundreds of hungry Hamiltonians in her role as paataka kai kaitiaki, guardian of a community food pantry, has seen Lisa Nepia recognised by her city.

She collected an honour at the Hamilton City Council 2022 Civic Awards on Thursday, alongside disability campaigners, a former cardiologist and a former principal.

The awards, held at the Atrium at Wintec, aim to recognise the hours of work and effort in the areas of health, education, community and the arts.

Nepia works tirelessly in her own time to source and distribute free kai (food) to hundreds of Hamiltonians in need, her citation said. She has been doing this voluntarily for several years, covering her own costs for time and fuel.

‘‘It’s very humbling seeing such extraordinary people in one room because they represent everything that is good about Hamilton,’’ said Mayor Paula Southgate.

Southgate also told the audience she was ‘‘extremely grateful and rather in awe of the individuals being honoured tonight’’ and also thanked their whā nau, saying ‘‘our city gets a fair chunk of the time of people you love’’.

The first award was presented to Paul Burroughs for more than 20 years’ voluntary service to Hamilton’s disabled community, particularly through his role as secretary of the Disabled Person’s Assembly.

DPA members said his commitment and dedication to the disabled community over several decades has been outstanding and really appreciated by the organisation.

Anne Bennett was recognised for her stewardship of the Hamilton YWCA for more than 20 years and her role as a community volunteer and advocate for youth and women.

Her work at the Hamilton YWCA has focused on meeting the local needs of Hamiltonians, running free community programmes on topics such as young women’s leadership, body confidence, financial literacy, and safety.

Betty Collins was recognised for her tireless work on behalf of Hamilton Zoo, first as a staff member, then volunteer and now Friend of the Zoo.

Her involvement with the Zoo extends into caring for Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park across the road. She’s a ‘friend’ there too, helping to coordinate and taking part in planting and other community days held there regularly.

Ann Grennell was recognised for more than 30 years’ in the non-government organisation sector, including roles as a fieldworker and a whā nau worker.

She has been the Centre Director of Rostrevor House for the majority of those years, which provides specialist support services to individuals and families who have a child or adult with a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental health condition.

Jenn Hooper was recognised for her work in the community/health and disability space for advocacy for people with disabilities, inspired by disabled daughter Charley.

Hooper presented Parliament with a variety of petitions to ensure the voice of disabled people was heard at Government level; she also lobbied for support to have a Changing Places facility installed at Hamilton Gardens, with the support of former MP Tim McIndoe and former Gardens Director Dr Peter Sergel. That facility opened in March 2018.

The former principal of St Paul’s Collegiate, Grant Lander, was recognised for his work in the community and education space.

During his time as at St Paul’s, Lander ensured that students were given a greater understanding of tikanga Maaori, introducing a school haka, written by former Head Boy, Dr Te Aro Moxon.

The last recipient was former Waikato Hospital cardiologist Clyde Wade, who was principally responsible for the development of cardiac surgery and coronary angioplasty at Waikato Hospital, and he was the cardiac unit’s first Clinical Director.