Good Citizens of Waitemata recognised at awards ceremony
It was a fantastic evening of celebration and community with performances by the Auckland Street Choir and the Freemans Bay School Whanau Ata Kapa Haka ropu.
Every second year the local board seeks nominations for awards in the categories of children and young people, individuals and community groups. This year we also gave special awards for long service to the community. A well-known local, Gerry Hill, was one of the recipients.
Affectionately called the Mayor of Ponsonby, Gerry has made a significant contribution to the Ponsonby community over the last 20 years. Gerry is a true Ponsonby personality. His passion for local history has seen him deliver booked-out talks and walks as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. As a heritage campaigner, he has fought many battles to protect our built heritage, from pre-1940 heritage homes to Martha’s Corner. He has also been a vocal supporter of returning trams to Ponsonby Road and, more recently, a passionate advocate for improved accessibility and public amenities.
Gerry has further contributed to the community in the roles of Chairman of the Ponsonby Community Centre, Treasurer of Western Bays Community Group and as Treasurer of the Ponsonby Business Association.
He has also helped fundraise for Lifewise by participating in the Big Sleepout, spending the night sleeping on a piece of cardboard in the heart of winter to raise awareness about the plight of rough sleepers in our community. Despite a diagnosis with motor neurone disease, Gerry is not letting this slow him down because he’s a fighter and his passion for life and his community is too great.
Councillor Mike Lee joined local board members in the honour of presenting Gerry with his special award for long service to the community. Full details of the awards are on the local board facebook page. (PIPPA COOM)
Contact Pippa Coom, Chair of Waitamata Local Board, pippa.coom@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz, www.facebook.com/waitemata