Recognising our volunteers

• By Kelvin Hiatt, Papakura Local Board Chair 

Do you know a community champion? A volunteer who goes above and beyond? Well, we’re on the lookout for that person. We want to recognise them for the energy they bring to your organisation. It’s important to acknowledge our community’s efforts and show how much we appreciate their dedication and hard work.

As a volunteer myself in parks, communities and sports clubs, I see this as my favourite part of the job. I look forward to seeing the nominations and presenting our proudest with recognition awards.

Nominations for the Papakura Volunteer Awards 2026 close on May 1. The community is encouraged to put forward the people who inspire them. Volunteers can be recognised across a wide range of categories including long service (20 or more years), arts, community service, young person, culture, environment and sports.

Email nominations to papakuralocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/papakuralocalboard to nominate.

At this time of year, we commemorate those who gave their lives in the service of their country and honour our returned servicemen and women. This Anzac Day marks 110 years of remembrance commemorating the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

In 1990, as a young Kiwi traveller, I had the fortune to visit the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during the 75th commemorations of the landings at Anzac Cove. Awakening predawn on the beach with others from New Zealand and Australia, we watched as our modern-day troops came ashore in their landing craft.

It was a beautiful, calm spring morning. The dawn service was held in the presence of Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, representatives of Turkey and our Governor General, Sir Paul Reeves.

Following the dawn service, we walked up through Shrapnel Valley, along the ridgeline to Lone Pine, then up the hill to a place where our New Zealand troops fought so hard to secure. The high point we know as Chunuk Bair. From here you could see the prize – the Dardanelles Strait. What a sight.

A uniquely New Zealand service was held around the cenotaph under the trees with our Governor General, dignitaries from New Zealand and Turkey, and most importantly, one of the last remaining veterans from the landings in 1915. A true hero. Today, you can see a photo of this moment in our War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain. A day and a time I will always remember.

On April 25, we will remember them. Join us at Papakura Cenotaph for the dawn parade and service at 5.45am, then again at 8.45am for the civic service. Following that, we have the Drury service at the war memorial in Tui Street at 11am. Lest we forget.