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Dargaville’s Lighthouse Function Centre was filled with pride and passion last week when 11 Kaipara community members were recognised for their dedication and service at this year’s Citizens Awards.
Kaipara District Council (KDC) created the annual awards to honour those who have made a significant contribution to the region and its people. The ceremony on August 18 brought together award-winners, friends, family and KDC members.
The awards were organised into three categories: Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award, Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award and Mayoral Award, chosen and presented by Kaipara District Mayor Jonathan Larsen.
Clive Hebben, Mangawhai Lions founding member, past president and co-organiser of the much-loved Mangawhai Lions Food and Wine Festival, was awarded an Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award for his energy and commitment to strengthening Lions’ reach and impact across the community.
Colin Jackson was also honoured with an Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer award for his hands-on commitment to helping launch Mangawhai’s popular Learn to Sail Programme. Created in 2021, the initiative has seen hundreds of youngsters and sailing enthusiasts take to the water, boosting their confidence and developing a passion for sailing.
Lee Greer and Jemma O’Donnell were also recognised with Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer awards for their contributions to the Kaipara community.
A recipient of one of five Long-Term Extraordinary Service Awards, Doug Lloyd is a driving force behind Mangawhai Matters and the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society. Lloyd was honoured for decades of dedication to protecting and improving the Mangawhai environment and earning lasting respect from his peers for his leadership, community education and knowledge.
Mangawhai’s Wayne Price received his Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award for his commitment to building a safer, better-prepared community in Mangawhai. Price established Mangawhai Community Patrol and fundraised to sustain patrol operations, supported first aid, CPR and Safer Plates initiatives, and served on the Northland District committee for CPNZ.
Sue Clayton, who sadly could not attend the event, was recognised for her generosity and “behind-the-scenes” contributions to a number of community initiatives, including as a volunteer and board member at the Mangawhai Op Shop and through her involvement with the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society.
John Phillips was acknowledged for his dedication to Northland Field Days, while Maungaturoto’s Stella Clyde was nominated for more than 40 years of supporting her community through a wide range of projects and organisations, including the Maungaturoto Op Shop, Maungaturoto and Districts Rotary Club, Otamatea Harbour Care Association and volunteering at Maungaturoto Primary School.
Presenting the Mayoral Award, Mayor Jonathan Larsen said he could not decide between two deserving winners of the prestigious award, so chose two recipients.
Ross Newlove was recognised for his outstanding service to the Kaipara community over the last few decades, while the final award of the afternoon went to Mark Farnsworth, who was recognised for his lifetime of exceptional public and community service.
Farnsworth, who is recognised nationally as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was unable to attend the ceremony due to ill health.
John Phillis accepted the award on his behalf. In an emotional speech, Phillis paid tribute to Farnsworth for dedicating his time and knowledge to Kaipara for more than 40 years. Farnsworth’s long service on the Northland Regional Council, along with his contributions to environmental management, governance, education and community wellbeing, has left a lasting impact across Northland and beyond.
Mayor Jonathan Larsen said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the people who give their time and energy to strengthen Kaipara communities.
“Without these individuals our communities wouldn’t be as connected or enriched. We are lucky to have them help make Kaipara a better place to be.
“These are the sort of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do; they just get on and do it. This makes it even more important that we take the time to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate the difference they make.”
