Community Champions Honoured At Citizens And Environmental Awards
Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the districts unique environment.
Exceptional individuals and organisations have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Kaipara community at the 2025 Citizens and Environmental Awards.
Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the district's unique environment.
Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson led the ceremony, celebrating both long-serving community champions and inspiring new residents. 'These awards celebrate the very best of Kaipara, people who serve selflessly, lead with humility, and care deeply for our community and environment. They inspire us all to be better neighbours, volunteers, and citizens'.
2025 Citizen Awards
Jacqui O'Connor – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District
Since moving to Mangawhai in 2022, Jacqui has become a pillar of the community through Heart Place Hospital, a charity providing accessible wellness services for frontline workers, carers, and families. Known for her compassion and tireless efforts, she is recognised for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ann Lupton – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
Ann has dedicated 18 years to the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club. While recently retiring from her role as treasurer, she remains an active member and has been instrumental in the success of events such as Krank Up Days, school outreach, and ongoing club communications.
Chris Fife – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
With over four decades of voluntary service, Chris has been a key figure in the rugby community. His leadership spans local clubs to regional boards, and he continues to support youth and emergency services through his role as an Ambassador for the Northland Emergency Services Trust.
Gary Dallas – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
Gary is a well-respected contributor to the Paparoa community, known for his hands-on support of numerous projects. As a trustee and Property Manager for the Paparoa County Depot Trust, and a member of the Paparoa Medical Society, Gary has also played a central role in establishing and maintaining local health and fitness facilities.
Joyce Martin – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
Joyce has dedicated decades to service through community and faith-based organisations. Her contributions include 10 years with Girls Brigade, 12 years volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and 15 years of service with the Methodist Church in various supportive roles.
Kenny Finlayson – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
Kenny has been at the forefront of many community improvement projects, from helping build the Maungatūroto wharf to enhancing public spaces and accessibility in the area. He currently chairs Kaipara Harbour Care and serves as Treasurer of the Paparoa Golf Club.
Jim Wintle (posthumous recognition) – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award
Jim's legacy in Mangawhai continues to be felt across the community. He co-founded the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, chaired the Mangawhai Community Trust, and helped develop the Mangawhai Historical Village. His leadership also extended to establishing community patrols and advocating for local heritage. Jim was posthumously awarded the 2025 Honorary Mayoral Award for his extraordinary service to Kaipara.
2025 Environmental Awards
Ian and Heidi Baker – Environmental Action in the Community
New Mangawhai residents Ian and Heidi Baker established the Mangawhai Community Clean Up, a volunteer initiative organising monthly events to maintain the natural beauty of both the village and the Heads.
Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) – Environmental Action in the Community
KMR has made a significant impact in just over three years, working with nearly 900 landowners to restore 640,000 hectares of land surrounding the Kaipara Harbour. Their work includes expert advice, environmental grants, and land restoration planning.
Sustainable Kaipara – Environmental Action in the Community, Education, and Business/Industry
Originally formed as Plastic Free Mangawhai, Sustainable Kaipara has led local waste minimisation efforts since 2016. Their community initiatives include composting workshops, beach clean-ups, and clothing swap events. They also run education programmes in schools across the district to instil sustainable practices in younger generations.
For more information about the Kaipara District Council Citizens and Environmental Awards, visit kaipara.govt.nz/funding.
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Community Champions Honoured At Citizens And Environmental Awards
Press Release – Kaipara District Council Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the districts unique environment. Exceptional individuals and organisations have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Kaipara community at the 2025 Citizens and Environmental Awards. Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the district's unique environment. Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson led the ceremony, celebrating both long-serving community champions and inspiring new residents. 'These awards celebrate the very best of Kaipara, people who serve selflessly, lead with humility, and care deeply for our community and environment. They inspire us all to be better neighbours, volunteers, and citizens'. 2025 Citizen Awards Jacqui O'Connor – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Since moving to Mangawhai in 2022, Jacqui has become a pillar of the community through Heart Place Hospital, a charity providing accessible wellness services for frontline workers, carers, and families. Known for her compassion and tireless efforts, she is recognised for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Ann Lupton – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Ann has dedicated 18 years to the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club. While recently retiring from her role as treasurer, she remains an active member and has been instrumental in the success of events such as Krank Up Days, school outreach, and ongoing club communications. Chris Fife – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award With over four decades of voluntary service, Chris has been a key figure in the rugby community. His leadership spans local clubs to regional boards, and he continues to support youth and emergency services through his role as an Ambassador for the Northland Emergency Services Trust. Gary Dallas – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Gary is a well-respected contributor to the Paparoa community, known for his hands-on support of numerous projects. As a trustee and Property Manager for the Paparoa County Depot Trust, and a member of the Paparoa Medical Society, Gary has also played a central role in establishing and maintaining local health and fitness facilities. Joyce Martin – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Joyce has dedicated decades to service through community and faith-based organisations. Her contributions include 10 years with Girls Brigade, 12 years volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and 15 years of service with the Methodist Church in various supportive roles. Kenny Finlayson – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Kenny has been at the forefront of many community improvement projects, from helping build the Maungatūroto wharf to enhancing public spaces and accessibility in the area. He currently chairs Kaipara Harbour Care and serves as Treasurer of the Paparoa Golf Club. Jim Wintle (posthumous recognition) – Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Jim's legacy in Mangawhai continues to be felt across the community. He co-founded the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, chaired the Mangawhai Community Trust, and helped develop the Mangawhai Historical Village. His leadership also extended to establishing community patrols and advocating for local heritage. Jim was posthumously awarded the 2025 Honorary Mayoral Award for his extraordinary service to Kaipara. 2025 Environmental Awards Ian and Heidi Baker – Environmental Action in the Community New Mangawhai residents Ian and Heidi Baker established the Mangawhai Community Clean Up, a volunteer initiative organising monthly events to maintain the natural beauty of both the village and the Heads. Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) – Environmental Action in the Community KMR has made a significant impact in just over three years, working with nearly 900 landowners to restore 640,000 hectares of land surrounding the Kaipara Harbour. Their work includes expert advice, environmental grants, and land restoration planning. Sustainable Kaipara – Environmental Action in the Community, Education, and Business/Industry Originally formed as Plastic Free Mangawhai, Sustainable Kaipara has led local waste minimisation efforts since 2016. Their community initiatives include composting workshops, beach clean-ups, and clothing swap events. They also run education programmes in schools across the district to instil sustainable practices in younger generations. For more information about the Kaipara District Council Citizens and Environmental Awards, visit
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Community Champions Honoured At Citizens And Environmental Awards
Exceptional individuals and organisations have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the Kaipara community at the 2025 Citizens and Environmental Awards. Held annually, the awards recognise individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, commitment, and voluntary service that enriches the lives of Kaipara residents, as well as groups working to preserve and restore the district's unique environment. Kaipara District Council Mayor Craig Jepson led the ceremony, celebrating both long-serving community champions and inspiring new residents. 'These awards celebrate the very best of Kaipara, people who serve selflessly, lead with humility, and care deeply for our community and environment. They inspire us all to be better neighbours, volunteers, and citizens'. 2025 Citizen Awards Jacqui O'Connor - Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Since moving to Mangawhai in 2022, Jacqui has become a pillar of the community through Heart Place Hospital, a charity providing accessible wellness services for frontline workers, carers, and families. Known for her compassion and tireless efforts, she is recognised for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Ann Lupton - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Ann has dedicated 18 years to the Kaipara Heritage Machinery Club. While recently retiring from her role as treasurer, she remains an active member and has been instrumental in the success of events such as Krank Up Days, school outreach, and ongoing club communications. Chris Fife - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award With over four decades of voluntary service, Chris has been a key figure in the rugby community. His leadership spans local clubs to regional boards, and he continues to support youth and emergency services through his role as an Ambassador for the Northland Emergency Services Trust. Gary Dallas - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Gary is a well-respected contributor to the Paparoa community, known for his hands-on support of numerous projects. As a trustee and Property Manager for the Paparoa County Depot Trust, and a member of the Paparoa Medical Society, Gary has also played a central role in establishing and maintaining local health and fitness facilities. Joyce Martin - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Joyce has dedicated decades to service through community and faith-based organisations. Her contributions include 10 years with Girls Brigade, 12 years volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau, and 15 years of service with the Methodist Church in various supportive roles. Kenny Finlayson - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Kenny has been at the forefront of many community improvement projects, from helping build the Maungatūroto wharf to enhancing public spaces and accessibility in the area. He currently chairs Kaipara Harbour Care and serves as Treasurer of the Paparoa Golf Club. Jim Wintle (posthumous recognition) - Long-Term Extraordinary Service Award Jim's legacy in Mangawhai continues to be felt across the community. He co-founded the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, chaired the Mangawhai Community Trust, and helped develop the Mangawhai Historical Village. His leadership also extended to establishing community patrols and advocating for local heritage. Jim was posthumously awarded the 2025 Honorary Mayoral Award for his extraordinary service to Kaipara. 2025 Environmental Awards Ian and Heidi Baker – Environmental Action in the Community New Mangawhai residents Ian and Heidi Baker established the Mangawhai Community Clean Up, a volunteer initiative organising monthly events to maintain the natural beauty of both the village and the Heads. Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) – Environmental Action in the Community KMR has made a significant impact in just over three years, working with nearly 900 landowners to restore 640,000 hectares of land surrounding the Kaipara Harbour. Their work includes expert advice, environmental grants, and land restoration planning. Sustainable Kaipara – Environmental Action in the Community, Education, and Business/Industry Originally formed as Plastic Free Mangawhai, Sustainable Kaipara has led local waste minimisation efforts since 2016. Their community initiatives include composting workshops, beach clean-ups, and clothing swap events. They also run education programmes in schools across the district to instil sustainable practices in younger generations. For more information about the Kaipara District Council Citizens and Environmental Awards, visit
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