February 20 2024
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Celebrating good citizenship u by Andy Bryenton
Four recipients have been awarded the highest honour bestowed by the Kaipara District Council at its annual citizens’ awards last week.
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Noel Moran, Peter Hames, Tui Hutchinson and Colin Gallagher were all awarded for their community work and contribution to Kaipara society at a presentation held at the Lighthouse Function Centre. Mayor Craig Jepson presented the awards, which have been a KDC tradition for more than a decade. “This is one of the most anticipated and enjoyable jobs I have as mayor,” said Mr Jepson as he introduced the four award winners. “They have all made an important contribution to their communities.” Noel Moran was applauded for his work with the Lions Club, where he served in every officer’s position and was the driving force behind 10 Dargaville Christmas parades. He served for three decades as a volunteer firefighter while being heavily involved in several sports, such as rugby, cricket, golf and squash. In addition to all of this volunteer work, Noel has given 10 years of his time as a Justice of the Peace. Peter Hames, the chairperson of Progressive Paparoa, was described as a tireless advocate for his town and its people. Instrumental in the foundation of Progressive Paparoa, Peter was also given accolades for his work in sports, especially table tennis. His fundraising work and advocacy for amenities for older citizens have been well noted, and he, like Noel Moran, is a Lions Club member in his community. Tui Hutchinson was awarded for her commitment to the development of young people in both Dargaville and Te Kōpuru, with an emphasis on learning and sports. Her organisation of after-
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p Citizens award winners Noel Moran, Tui Hutchinson, Colin Gallagher and Peter Hames with Mayor Craig Jepson (centre)
school programmes for tamariki and rangatahi spans athletics, rugby, softball and outdoor fitness and recreation, all of which she has been willing to organise for no cost and sometimes funded from her own resources. Finally, a special mayoral award was presented to Mangawhai community leader and one of the ‘architects of the Mangawhai Activity Zone’, Colin Gallagher.
As chairman of the MAZ committee for 12 years, Colin helped mastermind, fundraise and install a tennis court, skate bowls, two pump tracks, an outdoor fitness gym, a basketball court, soccer field, cricket pitch, volleyball area and a cafe. He also helped build the Gumdiggers Track and has been instrumental in helping host the town’s Christmas parade and concert events. ¢
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