Sign In / Register
Eleven Kaipara residents, including several from Mangawhai, have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to their communities at the district’s 2026 Citizens Awards.
The awards, presented at Dargaville’s Lighthouse Function Centre on Tuesday, celebrated individuals whose voluntary service has strengthened communities across Kaipara.
Presented annually, the awards recognise people whose commitment and voluntary service make a significant contribution to communities across Kaipara. This year’s recipients were honoured in three categories: Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District, Long Term Extraordinary Service, and the Mayoral Award.
Kaipara District Council Mayor Jonathan Larsen said the awards are an opportunity to celebrate 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,” he said.
“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.”
Mangawhai honoured
Among the 2026 recipients were Mangawhai residents Clive Hebben and Colin Jackson, who both received the Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award.
Hebben was recognised for his role as a founding member of Mangawhai Lions and his work helping grow the club’s reach and impact in the community. He has also coordinated the Mangawhai Food and Wine Festival fundraising event.
Jackson was recognised for his contribution to young sailors in Mangawhai, including helping establish the Learn to Sail Mangawhai sailing club and sharing his time and practical knowledge with children learning to sail.
Three Mangawhai residents – Doug Lloyd, Wayne Price and Sue Clayton – were recognised with the Long Term Extraordinary Service Award for their years of service to the community.
Doug Lloyd was recognised for decades of work protecting and improving the Mangawhai environment.
Lloyd served as chairman of the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society’s executive committee for 21 years and is the current chair of Mangawhai Matters, where he has helped educate the community on growth and environmental issues. He has also served on the Mangawhai Domain Committee.
Wayne Price received the award for his work helping build a safer and more prepared Mangawhai community.
Price established the Mangawhai Community Patrol and helped fundraise to sustain its operations, as well as supporting first aid, CPR and Safer Plates initiatives. He has also served on the Northland District committee for Community Patrols of New Zealand.
And Sue Clayton was recognised for her contribution to a range of Mangawhai community organisations.
Clayton has served as a volunteer and board member of the Mangawhai Op Shop, been involved with the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, provided IT support for the Mangawhai Club, and helped with marketing for Mangawhai Museum movie nights.
Across the district
Elsewhere in the district, recipients were recognised for decades of service across community organisations, local government, major events and environmental initiatives.
Jemma O’Donnell and Lee Greer received Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Awards for their work supporting local children and young people.
O’Donnell was recognised for her involvement with Mamaranui Playcentre and Dargaville Swim Club, as well as helping establish the Dargaville Athletics Club.
Greer was recognised for his work with young people through surf lifesaving at Baylys Beach, Little Nippers and establishing the Dargaville Athletics Club.
John Phillips received the Long Term Extraordinary Service Award for 28 years of voluntary service with Northland Field Days, where he is currently president, as well as his wider mentoring and support in the community.
Stella Clyde received the same award for more than 40 years of community service across organisations in Maungaturoto and the wider Kaipara area, including the Maungaturoto Op Shop, Paparoa County Depot Trust, Maungaturoto and Districts Rotary Club and Otamatea Harbour Care Association.
Ross Newlove and Mark Farnsworth received Mayoral Awards for decades of public and community service.
Newlove was recognised for his service as a Kaipara district councillor and his involvement with organisations including the Dargaville Museum, Northland Field Days, Scouts and the Northern Wairoa RSA.
Farnsworth was recognised for more than 40 years of public service, including on the Hobson County Council and Northland Regional Council, as well as contributions to environmental management, governance, education and community wellbeing.
