Citizens recognized for Community Contribution

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 Last Wednesday (12 September) the Council held its biennial Community Awards ceremony at the Memorial Theatre in Hawera. The Awards, presented by Mayor Ross Dunlop and the Community Board chairs, are held to recognise the individuals and organisations in South Taranaki who, through their personal leadership, inspiration and devotion make a significant contribution to the well being of their communities. In opening the evening Mr Dunlop said one of the best things about being Mayor was the opportunity it gave him to meet so many citizens who are involved in doing good things for the community. “This is a caring community and I am always astounded by the many, many residents throughout our district that everyday are voluntarily helping in some way. It really is inspiring,” he says. And the statistics for the South Taranaki District confirm this. A survey of South Taranaki showed that 26% of our residents are involved in voluntary and community work. This compares with a national average of 11%. “I’m very proud to be a Mayor of a district that has so many community minded citizens,” says Mr Dunlop. This year the Community Awards were presented to: From Egmont Plains: Individual Volunteers - John Hosie, Ann Hickey, Lorna Katene, Josie Hinewaito Bigham and Matt Lash; Achiever – Tom Gibson, Initiative Community and Environment – Barbara Williams; and Volunteer Organisation – Opunake Board Riders Club. Hawera:Individual Volunteers - William Rumney, Bev Phillips, Jenny Kerrisk; Initiative Community and Environment – Ngairie and Gary Olsen; and Volunteer Organisation – Altrusa Hawera. Eltham: Individual Volunteers – Judith Rogers and Olwyn Duthie; Initiative Community and Environment – Eltham Community Action Group. Patea:Individual Volunteers – Grant Hurley, Gloria Tui, Dianne Frewin; Achiever – Peter Crawford; Volunteer Organisation – Patea Fire Brigade.southtaranaki.com/Council/News-Publications/Press-Releases---News-Articles/Citizens-recognized-for-Community-Contribution/

FORSYTH, Margaret Grace.

Margaret Grace FORSYTH Obituary FORSYTH, Margaret Grace. Died Sunday September 23rd 2012 surrounded by her family. Aged 84 years. Lifetime friend and wife of the late Athol, loved mum of Rachel and Alberico, Irene and Rob, the late Christine, and Bruce and Wendy. Treasured grandmother of Leandro, Amanda, Andre, Danica, Emma, Trent, and Samantha. Great grandmother to Grayson. Gone to be with her Lord and Saviour. A service for Margaret will be held at the Founders Chapel of Remembrance, Rickit Street, Taupo tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1.30pm to be followed by private burial. Messages to the Forsyth family, C/- PO Box 940, Taupo. Taupo Funeral Services Ltd, FDANZ Published in The New Zealand Herald on September 25, 2012 Athol was a maths teacher at Hawera High in the 60s.

Kindergarten a family tradition

One of Hawera's oldest kindergartens is celebrating it's 60th anniversary next month. The Hawera Kindergarten is hosting a weekend of fun to honour the achievement on October 19 and 20. Kindergarten committee treasurer Jo Hurley said she chose to send her children there for early childhood education because of her own treasured childhood memories formed at the Kauri Cres facility. "I had good memories of it," she said. It was a given choice for her family. Her mother Sue Taylor was a committee member there when Mrs Hurley was a small child. "We were here from 1977 to 84, I think it was the only kindy in those days," she said. While the facilities and toys have been updated over time, the place is still much as she remembers it. Sisters Charlotte and Hayley Quinn both have children now attending the facility, having also attended themselves during younger years. "It's easy, we share the load, I pick her children up and she picks mine up sometimes," said Hayley Quinn. Mrs Hurley and the Quinn sisters are hoping to see some of their old playmates turn out for the anniversary celebrations on Labour Weekend. The events start with an adults only quiz night on Friday, October 19, with a 1950's theme followed by a fun day at the kindergarten the next day. There will be a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting and a plaque unveiling. To register contact Tania Meyer at tania.rieg@gmail.com. - © Fairfax NZ News Kindergarten a family tradition PETRA FINER SOUTH TARANAKI STAR Last updated 12:10 19/09/2012 Never-ending fun: Jyle Meads, 4, in the sandpit at Hawera Kindergarten.