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More than four years of relentless fundraising to renovate and revitalise the Wellsford Plunket Rooms has been officially recognised, with Tania Hamilton being named Plunket’s 2019 Volunteer of the Year for the northern region.
Tania was one of 18 women from Pokeno north to Cape Reinga to be nominated for the award, which was presented to her at a special lunch held in Manurewa last month.
Since 2015, Tania and her team have organised countless community fundraising events, initiatives and working bees to bring the formerly neglected Plunket building at 90 Rodney Street up to scratch, as her award citation made clear.
“Their fundraising has improved the Wellsford Plunket building with a new kitchen and a number of other improvements creating a fit-for-purpose venue that is hired out to community groups and for birthday parties, creating an income for their Plunket group to help cover expenses on the building.
“Tania and her team have also run a playgroup over this time that was fully funded by their fundraising. Last year, they certified their playgroup with the Ministry of Education.”
The awards lunch heard that Tania was now spreading her efforts to help other local communities.
“A couple of years ago, Tania met Plunket CEO Amanda Malu, who asked her to replicate what she is doing in other communities that are not doing so well. Tania has acted on that request and has sought funding and sponsorship to improve the Paparoa Plunket building.”
Tania was presented with a pounamu trophy, certificate, flowers and chocolates, and was typically modest about her achievements afterwards.
“There were 18 nominations and they were all amazing women. When you listened to their stories and heard what they’ve done, I just thought ‘wow’,” she said.
