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An inaugural dinner to thank Mahurangi’s emergency service personnel was held at the Warkworth Town Hall on May 11.
About 180 people attended, including the Minister of Police, Poto Williams.
There were fire service personnel from Warkworth, Snells Beach, Matakana, Leigh and Wellsford, as well as Police, St Johns, coastguard, and surf lifesaving representatives.
Organiser Murray Chapman says he would like to see the dinner held every two years.
“There was a lot of feedback that while these people don’t do what they do for the thanks, it was really special to feel so appreciated,” Chapman said.
“It was an amazing event that showed the power of the community. Nearly everything was donated by companies such as Carlton Party Hire, who gave us thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment at no cost, and Aldo, who closed his restaurant for the night to run the kitchen.
“There were also those people who put their hands up to serve our emergency services heroes, even if it meant standing out in the cold to do so.”
Also doing their bit were a number of politicians including Labour List MP Marja Lubeck, Kaipara ki Mahurangi MP Chris Penk, National spokesperson for police, Mark Mitchell, and Rodney Local Board deputy chair Beth Houlbrooke.
