Community spirit and local generosity lit up Whirinaki Whare Taonga as Upper Hutt celebrated its Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards finalists on Tuesday evening. 

Thirty-three volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations were the local finalists, recognised across six categories for their countless hours of service to the Upper Hutt community.

The represented initiatives were diverse and wide-reaching. They included scouts, sports clubs, animal welfare advocates, creative arts groups, and social service providers, amongst others.

“The energy and effort of volunteers and community groups make a real difference to locals every day,” said Jane Braun, Upper Hutt City Council’s Community Partnerships Manager. 

“All of the finalists contribute significantly to the social fabric of our local community.” 

Dedication and commitment were not the only qualities in the spotlight at the annual awards. Mike Ryan, Group Manager Community Services at Upper Hutt City Council, commended the finalists for demonstrating innovation and a keen understanding of their community.

“Year on year, the Airport Awards show us how community-led initiatives address and adapt to local needs and service gaps. Such a breadth of delivery models and support structures is inspiring, and a huge asset to Upper Hutt,” he said.

Wellington Airport has hosted the awards in conjunction with the wider region’s city councils since 2004.

Matt Clarke, Wellington Airport chief executive, emphasised that the airport is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Upper Hutt.

“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all the Upper Hutt finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year,” he said.

Upper Hutt’s winners have now progressed to the final stage of the awards, where they will be acknowledged alongside the winners from the other participating councils in the region, and will have the opportunity to become the overall winner in their respective award category.

This year’s Upper Hutt winners and runners-up are:

Arts and Culture 

Winner: Pinestream Quilters 
Runner-up: Te Heke Mai 

Education and Child/Youth Development 

Winner: Stockdale Farm 
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Autism Group (UHAG) 

Health and Wellbeing 

Winner: Upper Hutt Women’s Centre 
Runner-up (joint): Upper Hutt Community Patrol 
Runner-up (joint): Ōrongomai Marae – Kai Bank 

Heritage and Environment 

Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust 
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Repair Café 

Sport and Leisure 

Winner: Reload FX 
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Hockey Club 

Rising Star 

Winner: Natural Leaders 

Supreme Award 

Winner: Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust 

A “thank you” to Upper Hutt City Council for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

01/08/25