Shining Stars Of Volunteering Recognised In The Western Bay
The awards recognised individuals from across the Western Bay of Plenty for their exceptional commitment and generosity. As part of the opening, the attendees were welcomed by Councillor Marten Rozeboom.
'I tip my hat to anyone who's prepared to give up a portion of their life to make someone else's life better', Rozeboom shared.
Spanning six diverse categories, this year's Volunteer Star Award winners reflect the depth of volunteerism in our region. From environmental action to youth support, neighbourhood care to lifetime dedication, each recipient showcases the powerful impact of giving time for the good of others.
2025 Volunteer Star Award Winners
Rising Star – Youth Volunteer: Hannah Secker
A talented baker and long-time supporter of Under the Stars, Hannah began helping as a child with her family and now creates weekly homemade desserts for those experiencing homelessness. Her creativity, reliability and warmth are a gift to all.
New Light – Newcomer Volunteer: Emily-Kay Livick
Emily recently stepped into the role of Achilles Tauranga chapter leader, advocating for disabled children and young people who often miss out on long-distance running events. Her calm leadership and fresh energy are helping create a more inclusive local running community.
Local Star – Neighbourhood Champion: Fareena Ali
Fareena has volunteered for over a decade with Papamoa Food Hub and its predecessor. Tireless, cheerful, and deeply committed, she supports food relief efforts and is beloved by her fellow volunteers.
Green Star – Environmental Volunteer: Jacquie Ashton
Jacquie leads the Pest Free Ōmokoroa group, securing funding, growing volunteer networks, and building relationships with mana whenua. Her impact is visible across the peninsula — a true conservation leader working with heart.
Guiding Light – Lifetime Volunteer: Shona Graham
Celebrating 30 years with Katikati Community Centre, Shona has supported events, after-school care, holiday programmes and much more. Known for her positivity and generosity, she's considered a cornerstone of her community.
Shining Star – Volunteer of the Year: Jasper Osborne
Through Stoney Creek's Hunt for Good, Jasper donates wild game to community groups including Kura Kai. He balances full-time work with running the not-for-profit and weekend hunts — all to provide nutritious food for local whānau.
With over 60 nominations put forward, Volunteering Services Manager, Angela Wallace shares 'Our judges had their work cut out for them with an overwhelming number of nominations and such incredible mahi happening in our region'.
Volunteering Services thanks all nominators and community groups who participated — and everyone who makes time to care for others.
Special mention also goes to NumberWorks'nWords Tauranga, Neighbourhood Support WBOP, Envirohub BOP, FreshChoice Papamoa, Leanne Brown - Harcourts Pāpāmoa, Tauranga City Council Welcoming Communities, The Coffee Club NZ for their generosity in sponsoring this year's prizes.
For more information or to connect with local volunteering opportunities, please reach out on www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call (07) 987-0920.
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'I particularly love kids,' Graham said. 'That's where I'm most comfortable.' Why? 'Oh, you just learn from them all the time – like you're teaching them, but you're learning from them too,' Graham said. 'They're so open. I love that about them, you know, as adults, we close off a bit. 'We show the parts of ourselves that we want to be seen, whereas just like kids, I still like to be silly … I don't know … I get them, and they get me." Katikati Community Centre staff Nicky Austin, Rochelle Morrow, volunteer Shona Graham, with Jan de Faye and Sally Goodyear at work on a Katikati Spring Clean. Photo / Supplied Graham enjoys starting her week with two hours of reading with Katikati Primary students. At June's Kati Chat, the 56-year-old was recognised for 30 years of volunteer work in her community of Katikati. Graham was enjoying hearing about others being celebrated when she was presented with a Lifetime Volunteer Award, by Volunteering Services for her outstanding contribution. 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Then of course I just became part and parcel of the centre,' Graham said. Other acts of love have been participating in Katikati's annual Spring Clean events with daughter Phoebe, health expos and in recent years, community picnics and the Festival of Cultures. 'This is a big one for me. I love this. 'I just feel it brings our community together and it's so lovely to see how many different cultures live here.' Graham smiles when she thinks of how the Recognised Seasonal Employer workers get so into it: 'I love that they're so enthusiastic'. Shona Graham with her Lifetime Volunteer Award, presented by Volunteering Services, in recognition of her 30 years of outstanding contribution. Photo / Supplied How did she volunteer when she had two preschool-aged kids? 'Peter and I were gardeners, so I was lucky enough to have both of my girls at home when they were little. The block of land we bought was bare and we wanted to be as self-sufficient as we could,' the avid vege gardener said. 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