Award 'humbles' stalwart | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

After 37 years delivering Meals on Wheels, two years working with older people, and knitting for orphans in Africa in her spare time, Masterton woman Maureen Potts says she feels humbled to be honoured for her services.

Mrs Potts was one of three people to receive a Civic Award from Masterton District Council on Tuesday night.

"I feel very humble and privileged really," said Mrs Potts.

"In accepting this award I need to acknowledge the other volunteers - I certainly don't work alone."

Mayor Garry Daniell conducted the awards ceremony, and was "curious" to find out how many out of the crowd of about 150 family and friends were there to support Mrs Potts - half the room raised their hands.

Marjorie Jennens, who nominated Mrs Potts along with Joan Esquilant, said she had been delivering Meals on Wheels ever since her youngest child was still a baby.

"Maureen used to take this baby along and deliver the meals," she said.

She is also a street collector for the Cancer Society, Alzheimers and Poppy Day and has spent 14 years volunteering at Masterton Community Foodbank.

Martinborough's Julia Squire also received an award for voluntary work with the Post-Polio Support Society for the last 15 years.

For 15 years she has provided support and advocacy for those experiencing the late effects of polio that occur 30 to 40 years after the initial illness.

Ray Stewart was honoured for his work with Sustainable Wairarapa. He has supported the group in discussions on climate change, environmental film festivals, the annual e-waste collection, the Makoura stream restoration, and the sustainable farming project on using recycled wastewater for irrigation.

Three Young Achiever awards were also presented in the same ceremony.

Holly Gaskin and Tara Hall were selected for the New Zealand Junior Black Sticks hockey squad to play in India.

Both have made representative teams for their age group since intermediate school, played for Wairarapa College and the Wairarapa Hockey Association and have since played for Wellington Indians and now Harbour City Tawa.

Masterton's Alex Fafeita was also acknowledged for his athletic achievements, which include being the only Wairarapa athlete selected to represent the region at the Commonwealth Youth Championships this year.

All three recipients were described as "all-rounders".

Mr Daniell said each year the council believes it may be starting to run out of people who give so much time to the their community but this year's recipients were as worthy as any previous years.

"They represent what makes Masterton such a rewarding place to live," he said.