Latest news with #CemeteriesAwards
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand's Places, Spaces, And People Honoured At 2025 Parks Awards
Press Release – Recreation Aotearoa A record crowd gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland tonight for the annual Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards, a celebration of the people, places, and spaces shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's recreation sector. This year's event also welcomed the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective (NZCCC) Ngā Rau Hotu, who joined the celebrations to honour leaders in the cemeteries and crematoria sector with the biennial Cemeteries Awards. The evening kicked off with the 'Active Park / Sportsground of the Year' award, recognising adventure parks and sportsgrounds that support active, healthy lifestyles. The finalists were: McLean Park Skatepark, Kāpiti Coast District Council Motutawa Skatepark, Convic Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park, Invercargill City Council Convic's Motutawa Skatepark in Lower Hutt took out the top honour, while Invercargill City Council received a Merit Award for Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park. Next was the 'Healthy Park of the Year' award, which celebrates parks that enhance community wellbeing and social connection. Finalists included: Kaipātiki Reserve, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Kōpūrererua Valley, Tauranga City Council Te Awahou Riverside, Horowhenua District Council Kaipātiki Reserve, a collaboration between Resilio Studio and Auckland Council, claimed the title, with a Merit Award presented to Tauranga City Council for Kōpūrererua Valley. The 'Playspace of the Year' awards followed, recognising excellence in playgrounds and recreational playspaces, with separate categories for projects under and over $500,000. Seven finalists were named: Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Rānui Domain Playground, Auckland Council Raumanga Scenic Reserve Playground, Whangārei District Council Papatakohe Park, Waipā District Council Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi, Tauranga City Council Waitaha Reserve, Tauranga City Council Waterfront Playground, Tauranga City Council Tauranga City Council dominated the category, winning both awards. Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi was named 'Playspace of the Year (within $500,000)', while the city's new Waterfront Playground received 'Playspace of the Year (over $500,000)'. Merit Awards in the over $500,000 category went to Tauranga City Council's Waitaha Reserve and Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, delivered by Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council. The final award of the night, 'Parks Person of the Year', honours individuals who show outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to public parks. This year, the accolade was shared by two recipients: Simon Alefosio-Tuck from Rotorua Lakes Council and Howell Davies from Auckland Council. Kieran Smith, Parks, Play and Open Spaces Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa, said the awards reflect the growing importance of open spaces in supporting thriving communities. 'Across Aotearoa, parks are more than playgrounds and sports fields — they're places for communities to gather, connect, and recharge. This year's finalists and winners set a powerful example of how these spaces can enhance wellbeing, sustainability, and community pride,' Smith said.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Honouring The People Behind New Zealand's Cemeteries And Crematoria
Press Release – New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective New Zealand's cemeteries and crematoria are more than just spaces — they are places of remembrance, connection, and care. Tonight, the people and projects behind these vital community places were recognised at the 2025 Cemeteries Awards, held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as part of the Recreation Aotearoa Parks and Cemeteries Awards. The biennial Cemeteries Awards celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in the cemeteries and crematoria sector. Daniel Chrisp, NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu Chair, said the awards shine a light on a sector that is vital but often works quietly in the background. 'Cemeteries and crematoria are important spaces in our communities. These awards recognise the people who care for them, and the people and communities they support — often during life's most difficult moments,' he said. Green Award 2025 The Green Award recognises effective climate action in cemeteries and crematoria operations. Invercargill City Council won the award for the sustainable practices it has introduced into its operations. These include replacing plastic urns with biodegradable wooden alternatives and restoring native habitat, which has welcomed back tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka, and ruru. The team also shifted to electric mowers and battery-powered tools, reducing emissions and enhancing tranquillity for visitors. Community Contribution Award 2025 Allan Dodson of Porirua War Stories received this award for his tireless advocacy in honouring New Zealand's service personnel. Allan has helped install over 15 veteran headstones for previously unmarked graves, restoring dignity to service members and their whānau. He also ensured the name of Leon Smith, killed in action in Afghanistan, was added to the Porirua Peace Memorial through meticulous historical research and community coordination. Individual Excellence Award 2025 Kelvin Tamihere of Gisborne District Council was recognised for outstanding leadership at Taruheru Cemetery. Known for his compassion and professionalism, Kelvin has supported whānau through challenging times, including during Cyclone Gabrielle. He continues to embody manaakitanga and uphold tikanga, leading health and safety initiatives and working closely with groups such as the Friends of Makaraka. Long Service Awards The following individuals were celebrated for their long-standing dedication and service to the cemeteries and crematoria sector in Aotearoa: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Ricky Mulqueen, Invercargill City Council James Duffy, Citycare Properties Hayden Parr, Whāngarei City Council Elizabeth Reddington, Wellington City Council Ingro Shreck, Citycare Properties Sheree Stout, Auckland Council Life Membership Awards Life Membership was awarded to foundational figures of NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu, recognising long-term commitment, leadership, and vision in shaping the cemeteries and crematoria sector: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Jeff Paris, Wellington City Council Michelle Rivers, Hamilton City Council Clifton Thomson, Purewa Cemetery 'Cemeteries and crematoria are places where history, identity, and memory are held. They're spaces where people find connection and care during life's hardest moments. These awards honour those who work hard to honour the history, the memories, and the people,' said Chrisp.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Honouring The People Behind New Zealand's Cemeteries And Crematoria
Press Release – New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective Cemeteries and crematoria are places where history, identity, and memory are held. Theyre spaces where people find connection and care during lifes hardest moments. These awards honour those who work hard to honour the history, the memories, and … New Zealand's cemeteries and crematoria are more than just spaces — they are places of remembrance, connection, and care. Tonight, the people and projects behind these vital community places were recognised at the 2025 Cemeteries Awards, held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as part of the Recreation Aotearoa Parks and Cemeteries Awards. The biennial Cemeteries Awards celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in the cemeteries and crematoria sector. Daniel Chrisp, NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu Chair, said the awards shine a light on a sector that is vital but often works quietly in the background. 'Cemeteries and crematoria are important spaces in our communities. These awards recognise the people who care for them, and the people and communities they support — often during life's most difficult moments,' he said. Green Award 2025 The Green Award recognises effective climate action in cemeteries and crematoria operations. Invercargill City Council won the award for the sustainable practices it has introduced into its operations. These include replacing plastic urns with biodegradable wooden alternatives and restoring native habitat, which has welcomed back tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka, and ruru. The team also shifted to electric mowers and battery-powered tools, reducing emissions and enhancing tranquillity for visitors. Community Contribution Award 2025 Allan Dodson of Porirua War Stories received this award for his tireless advocacy in honouring New Zealand's service personnel. Allan has helped install over 15 veteran headstones for previously unmarked graves, restoring dignity to service members and their whānau. He also ensured the name of Leon Smith, killed in action in Afghanistan, was added to the Porirua Peace Memorial through meticulous historical research and community coordination. Individual Excellence Award 2025 Kelvin Tamihere of Gisborne District Council was recognised for outstanding leadership at Taruheru Cemetery. Known for his compassion and professionalism, Kelvin has supported whānau through challenging times, including during Cyclone Gabrielle. He continues to embody manaakitanga and uphold tikanga, leading health and safety initiatives and working closely with groups such as the Friends of Makaraka. Long Service Awards The following individuals were celebrated for their long-standing dedication and service to the cemeteries and crematoria sector in Aotearoa: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Ricky Mulqueen, Invercargill City Council James Duffy, Citycare Properties Hayden Parr, Whāngarei City Council Elizabeth Reddington, Wellington City Council Ingro Shreck, Citycare Properties Sheree Stout, Auckland Council Life Membership Awards Life Membership was awarded to foundational figures of NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu, recognising long-term commitment, leadership, and vision in shaping the cemeteries and crematoria sector: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Jeff Paris, Wellington City Council Michelle Rivers, Hamilton City Council Clifton Thomson, Purewa Cemetery 'Cemeteries and crematoria are places where history, identity, and memory are held. They're spaces where people find connection and care during life's hardest moments. These awards honour those who work hard to honour the history, the memories, and the people,' said Chrisp.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
New Zealand's Places, Spaces, And People Honoured At 2025 Parks Awards
A record crowd gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland tonight for the annual Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards, a celebration of the people, places, and spaces shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's recreation sector. This year's event also welcomed the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Collective (NZCCC) Ngā Rau Hotu, who joined the celebrations to honour leaders in the cemeteries and crematoria sector with the biennial Cemeteries Awards. The evening kicked off with the 'Active Park / Sportsground of the Year' award, recognising adventure parks and sportsgrounds that support active, healthy lifestyles. The finalists were: McLean Park Skatepark, Kāpiti Coast District Council Motutawa Skatepark, Convic Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park, Invercargill City Council Convic's Motutawa Skatepark in Lower Hutt took out the top honour, while Invercargill City Council received a Merit Award for Te Wāhi Tākaro o Motupōhue Adventure Park. Next was the 'Healthy Park of the Year' award, which celebrates parks that enhance community wellbeing and social connection. Finalists included: Kaipātiki Reserve, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Kōpūrererua Valley, Tauranga City Council Te Awahou Riverside, Horowhenua District Council Kaipātiki Reserve, a collaboration between Resilio Studio and Auckland Council, claimed the title, with a Merit Award presented to Tauranga City Council for Kōpūrererua Valley. The 'Playspace of the Year' awards followed, recognising excellence in playgrounds and recreational playspaces, with separate categories for projects under and over $500,000. Seven finalists were named: Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council Rānui Domain Playground, Auckland Council Raumanga Scenic Reserve Playground, Whangārei District Council Papatakohe Park, Waipā District Council Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi, Tauranga City Council Waitaha Reserve, Tauranga City Council Waterfront Playground, Tauranga City Council Tauranga City Council dominated the category, winning both awards. Te Papa Tākaro o Matua Iwi was named 'Playspace of the Year (within $500,000)', while the city's new Waterfront Playground received 'Playspace of the Year (over $500,000)'. Merit Awards in the over $500,000 category went to Tauranga City Council's Waitaha Reserve and Kaipātiki Reserve Wāhi Tākaro, delivered by Te Poari o Kaipātiki ki Kaipara, Resilio Studio and Auckland Council. The final award of the night, 'Parks Person of the Year', honours individuals who show outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to public parks. This year, the accolade was shared by two recipients: Simon Alefosio-Tuck from Rotorua Lakes Council and Howell Davies from Auckland Council. Kieran Smith, Parks, Play and Open Spaces Programme Manager at Recreation Aotearoa, said the awards reflect the growing importance of open spaces in supporting thriving communities. 'Across Aotearoa, parks are more than playgrounds and sports fields — they're places for communities to gather, connect, and recharge. This year's finalists and winners set a powerful example of how these spaces can enhance wellbeing, sustainability, and community pride,' Smith said.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Honouring The People Behind New Zealand's Cemeteries And Crematoria
New Zealand's cemeteries and crematoria are more than just spaces — they are places of remembrance, connection, and care. Tonight, the people and projects behind these vital community places were recognised at the 2025 Cemeteries Awards, held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as part of the Recreation Aotearoa Parks and Cemeteries Awards. The biennial Cemeteries Awards celebrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in the cemeteries and crematoria sector. Daniel Chrisp, NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu Chair, said the awards shine a light on a sector that is vital but often works quietly in the background. 'Cemeteries and crematoria are important spaces in our communities. These awards recognise the people who care for them, and the people and communities they support — often during life's most difficult moments,' he said. Green Award 2025 The Green Award recognises effective climate action in cemeteries and crematoria operations. Invercargill City Council won the award for the sustainable practices it has introduced into its operations. These include replacing plastic urns with biodegradable wooden alternatives and restoring native habitat, which has welcomed back tūī, kererū, pīwakawaka, and ruru. The team also shifted to electric mowers and battery-powered tools, reducing emissions and enhancing tranquillity for visitors. Community Contribution Award 2025 Allan Dodson of Porirua War Stories received this award for his tireless advocacy in honouring New Zealand's service personnel. Allan has helped install over 15 veteran headstones for previously unmarked graves, restoring dignity to service members and their whānau. He also ensured the name of Leon Smith, killed in action in Afghanistan, was added to the Porirua Peace Memorial through meticulous historical research and community coordination. Individual Excellence Award 2025 Kelvin Tamihere of Gisborne District Council was recognised for outstanding leadership at Taruheru Cemetery. Known for his compassion and professionalism, Kelvin has supported whānau through challenging times, including during Cyclone Gabrielle. He continues to embody manaakitanga and uphold tikanga, leading health and safety initiatives and working closely with groups such as the Friends of Makaraka. Long Service Awards The following individuals were celebrated for their long-standing dedication and service to the cemeteries and crematoria sector in Aotearoa: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Ricky Mulqueen, Invercargill City Council James Duffy, Citycare Properties Hayden Parr, Whāngarei City Council Elizabeth Reddington, Wellington City Council Ingro Shreck, Citycare Properties Sheree Stout, Auckland Council Life Membership Awards Life Membership was awarded to foundational figures of NZCCC Ngā Rau Hotu, recognising long-term commitment, leadership, and vision in shaping the cemeteries and crematoria sector: Mary Climo, Porirua City Council Jeff Paris, Wellington City Council Michelle Rivers, Hamilton City Council Clifton Thomson, Purewa Cemetery 'Cemeteries and crematoria are places where history, identity, and memory are held. They're spaces where people find connection and care during life's hardest moments. These awards honour those who work hard to honour the history, the memories, and the people,' said Chrisp.
