Every year, dedicated locals contribute an astounding 1.5 million hours of volunteering to the Waimakariri District. These volunteers are the unsung heroes who diligently work to improve the community, often without seeking any recognition for their efforts.

Mayor Dan Gordon and Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson champion these remarkable individuals, as they see the immense impact of voluntary work on the District.

Mayor Dan Gordon says often the recipients are shocked when he contacts them to say they have been nominated.

“It’s just the nature of these exceptional volunteers.

“They do what that they do without ever seeking thanks and acknowledgment.

“That is why Deputy Mayor Neville and I enjoy these awards so much.

“We personally meet each of the recipients and get the opportunity to thank them and then share their story and achievements with the District. It’s a great privilege.”

The Community Service Awards recipients have collectively volunteered hundreds of hours to the Waimakariri District.

This year truly exceptional service was recognised with a Mayoral Award to Don Fairbrother.

Don has given many years of outstanding service to the district especially in his work with North Canterbury Minibus Trust, Rotary and the Cust RSA.

This year a second Mayor’s Award was given to honour the work of Deputy Mayor Neville Atkinson. Which was a surprise to him on the night.

Mayor Dan Gordon says as Neville is stepping down from Council at the end of this term, he wanted to acknowledge his more than 20 yars of service to the District.

“Neville has given so much to the council, to the Waimakariri District and especially to Kaiapoi. For me personally he has been an excellent support and a great friend. His contribution around the Council table was immense and he will be missed.”

It is also the fourth year the community's young contributors have been recognised with the Youth Service Award, which was presented to two worthy recipients this year.

This award was introduced by Mayor Dan Gordon in 2022 and is a collaborative effort between the Council and the Youth Council. It is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions made by young people In the Waimakariri District.

Mayor Dan Gordon says it’s wonderful to see the depth of inspiring young people in the Waimakariri District.

“It highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting the next generation of community leaders and volunteers.”

For a third time the awards have included Environmental Award recipients, which come through from the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee.

This year there were eight recipients of Community Service Awards

A Mayor’s Award for exceptional community service and two Youth Service Awards.

The recipients were:

Mayors Award

Don Fairbrother

Don has given many years of service establishing and running the North Canterbury Minibus Trust as well as years of service as a Rangiora Rotarian and service to the Cust RSA.

Neville Atkinson

Neville has been a Waimakariri District Councillor for more than 20 years as well as a member of many organisations such as Coastguard. Neville played a significant role in the post-earthquake recovery of Kaiapoi.

Business Award

Robbie and Judy Bruerton

Robbie and Judy owned the Sefton Garage for more than five decades and have been an integral part of that community for as many years.

Community Service Awards

Lin Bisman

Lin has given generously of her time to community over the years especially in her work with Riding for the Disabled.

Gordon Fulton

Gordon has committed many years of service to Mandeville Sports Club as well as Ohoka Rugby, Swannanoa Cricket and the Swannanoa Hall.

Jim Gardner

Jim has been recognised for his many years of service to the Waikuku Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Lorna Horne

Lorna has given generously of her time to a number of organisations over many years especially the Rangiora Garden Club and the Salvation Army.

Tony Monk

Tony has been a strong advocate for the Kaiapoi community over his many years especially in his role as a community constable and with Coastguard.

Christine Roberts

Christine has been acknowledged for her many years of service to the Oxford Community. Especially to the Oxford A&P Show.

Craig Sargison

Craig has given many years of service to the Waimakariri District particularly in his roles with Rotary and the North Canterbury Minibus Trust.

Sonya Smith

Sonya has been recognised for many years of involvement and dedicated service with the Northern Bulldogs Rugby League Club.

Murray Sutherland

Murray has made a huge contribution to the Kaiapoi community and the whole Waimakariri District has supported many community events, schools and sports clubs as well as supported Kaiapoi through the post-earthquake recovery.

Taumata o Tuahiwi

Te Taumata have given so much to this district over generations. At every event they attend or official opening they make everyone feel so welcome and included. They provide blessings and welcoming at more than 400 events per year.

Youth Awards

Alexandra Watson

Alexandra among her many talents has led North Canterbury Academy of Music as Musical Director since 2021, helping to make music more accessible in the local community.

Ruby Wilson

Ruby has been a strong advocate for youth voices in Waimakariri and the Canterbury region, especially in her role as co-chair of the Waimakariri Youth Council.

Environmental Awards

Youth Environment Award / Tihiraki North Loburn School Envirogroup

Group Environment Award Ohoka Domain Advisory Group

Individual Environment Award Gavin and Kylie Bay

Individual Award Glenn Foley