Lions service honoured

Mangawhai Lions Club won a haul of prestigious awards at a recent Lions New Zealand event, which recognised the club’s exceptional contribution to the Mangawhai community.

Lions 202K District, which includes 56 clubs within the upper North Island and Pacific Islands, held a Wild West-themed convention from October 31 to November 2 at Pukekohe Convention Centre.

Mangawhai was presented with three awards – Community Awareness & Communication, Outstanding Community Project for the Mangawhai Lions Food & Wine Festival, and the esteemed Outstanding Club Award.

The club’s marketing and communications manager Mandy Hebben was also elected Vice District Governor for the Lions 2026/27 year, while her husband, club president Clive Hebben, received the International President’s Leadership Medal.

Given the large number of clubs in the 202K District, Mandy said that as “the new kids on the block”, the Mangawhai team was honoured to be acknowledged.

“While we don’t volunteer to get recognition, we were delighted to win all these awards. It is very nice to be noticed for the work and effort that is put in over our Lions year,” she said. “Clive’s leadership medal was especially a great honour.”

The accolades attest to the club’s impressive impact since it formed in January 2024. In just under two years, it has launched a series of initiatives, including the annual Mangawhai Lions Photography Competition, with funds donated to Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifesaving Service (MHVLS) and Te Whai Community Trust. Members also revived the popular Mangawhai Food & Wine Festival, with proceeds gifted to MHVLS to support the rebuilding of the clubhouse after the 2023 landslide.

Other initiatives include installing a can recycling cage at Mangawhai Activity Zone, with all proceeds going towards the playground; establishing four new picnic tables at Alamar Reserve; co-hosting two Pink Ribbon High Teas along with Zonta Mangawhai; and running the annualLove Grace Handbag appeal.

“The whole Mangawhai Lions team works hard on promoting the organisation and the service we are doing in the community,” Mandy said. “And we have a lot of fun while we’re doing it!”

For more information or to get involved with the Mangawhai Lions Club, contact Clive on 021 802 532 or email: mangawhailions@gmail.com.