From supporting the most vulnerable in our community to making sure our parks are well-loved, community volunteers make a real difference to our people and our places.
Their mahi is honoured through the triennial Puketāpapa Community Volunteer Awards, which this term was run in association with the Puketāpapa Youth Foundation.
“We all need volunteer help from time to time, and it’s wonderful to be able to acknowledge those who offer their skills and effort in Puketāpapa,” says Puketāpapa Local Board Chair Julie Fairey.
When COVID-19 restrictions prevented holding an event to celebrate the recipients, board members rang those being honoured to congratulate them and to acknowledge their valuable contribution.
Those to receive an award are Peter Leilua from the Global Hope Mission, Yinling Tsang, Kathy Neilson, Dianne McCarthy, Canute D'Souza, Lionel and Aoto'a Teleaga, Michael Howell, Issy Lim, Doreen Wakefield and Malcolm Rundle.
There are many impressive examples of volunteering among our recipients, including Peter Leilua and the Global Hope Mission which supported Wesley schools and Puketāpapa communities for several years. Since COVID-19 hit they have been pivotal in supporting our most vulnerable whānau and tamariki, including distributing food parcels.
More is below on each of the award winners below and the great work they do in the community submitted by those that admire and respect them.
Peter Leilua
Peter and the Global Hope Mission have supported Wesley schools and Puketāpapa communities for several years but since COVID-19 hit our community they have been pivotal in supporting our most vulnerable whānau and tamariki.
During the August 2021 COVID–19 lockdown, Peter and his team distributed food parcels to meet a critical need in an uncertain time.
They run initiatives in local schools and at RYZ hub via Active8 programmes.
Dean Cudmore
Dean Cudmore is a massive driving force in the development of the Auckland United Junior Programme. With over 700 players in the 2021 season, Dean has worked tirelessly to ensure Auckland United provides an experience and environment that players enjoy, whilst challenging them to develop and grow.
His energy and passion as a coach to one of junior teams is evident; he continually seeks news ways to support players.
Dean oversees a committee of grade coordinators and has encouraged more volunteers to join. His communication and coordination has improved the experience for junior players, coaches and volunteers.
Yinling Tsang
A retired nurse from Hong Kong, Yinling is a true unsung hero with 30 years of volunteering. This has included countless events, supporting differently abled folk, preparing nutritious kai for community morning tea and making sure everyone enjoys it.
She is an artist and teaches Chinese craft to local groups, demonstrating in local community events. Yinling is a well-respected member in the Puketāpapa Chinese community.
During lockdown in 2020 and 2021, Yinling volunteered as a care caller to check on the most vulnerable in local community, especially the lonely and isolated people, bringing comfort and joy to those who needed it.
Kathy Neilson
Kathy is a respected leader of Friends of Wairaki Stream, a group of volunteers who carry out environmental monitoring and restoration in our local area. She has dedicated countless hours to planting native trees, pulling out invasive weeds, taking new volunteers under her wing and organising behind the scenes. Her humour and energy touches everyone she meets. On top of this, she also volunteers for Bird Rescue and Roskill South Oasis Kindergarten.
Dianne McCarthy
Dianne is respected leader and organiser of local conservation group Friends of Wairaki Stream. She has an incredible energy and drive to help people and the environment, inspiring dozens of volunteers to plant natives, pull weeds and improve habitat for biodiversity, while also tirelessly campaigning for urban conservation. As the group’s leader she also works extremely hard to take care of logistics, catering, communications, fundraising and supplies. Dianne’s enthusiasm and passion has made a huge impact on both the local environment and on everyone she meets.
Image supplied: Dianne McCarthy
Canute D'Souza
Canute is an enthusiastic community volunteer and always willing to help whether it is donating blood, helping to clear out rubbish at the local reserves and beaches or volunteering at the Puketāpapa Community Driving school helping migrants and refugees get their driving license. For almost 18 years now Canute has volunteered at the Order of St John. When his daughters attended primary and intermediate (Halsey Drive and Waikowhai Intermediate), Canute actively volunteered at the local schools too. He has a big heart and is always there to lend a helping hand to people in need. He is a true unsung hero.
Image supplied: Canute D'Souza
Lionel and Aoto'a Teleaga
Earlier this year Lionel and Aoto'a helped set up Kainga Tu Malosi to support our kids during the COVID–19 lockdown and to help them re-engage with school. They provided for the basics and addressed the obstacles that our Whānau faced during each lockdown in 2020 and 2021.
In 2020, the duo provided assistance with food parcels which ensured that there is more effective support in the community where it is most needed. From earlier this year, their ARK project provides free food parcels in the community.
Our community of volunteers is grateful for their mahi.
Michael Howell
Michael Howell is a Puketāpapa Youth Foundation volunteer and has contributed hundreds of hours to amplify the voice of the local youth.
Currently a serving member of Puketāpapa Youth Foundation Michael organizes events that represent young people’s interests and concerns.
His notable achievements are helming the annual Youth Summit which involves reporting young people’s voices for the Local Board to enact tangible changes for the rangatahi within Puketāpapa. Michael also helped create the community-based Ball 2020 that allowed over 50 people to have this experience when their school balls were cancelled due to COVID-19.
Issy Lim
Issy is an amazing young volunteer at our school. At each weekly visit for a number of years she helps out in the office. She is always happy to lend a hand and brings cheer to our work. We love her positive attitudes and appreciate her genuinely love for being at our school.
During the other days of the week she works for Will&Able which provides work for people with disabilities.
She has overcome many obstacles to be the wonderful person that she is and she deserves to be recognised for her selfless work.
Image supplied: Issy Lim
Doreen Wakefield
Doreen runs the HIPPY programme at the local school.
She is the coordinator but also volunteers with our migrants and refugees Whānau. She personally coaches and trains many of the women in this group to become tutors and learn NZ workplace experience.
Doreen also volunteers through our Health Eating for whānau held over the last few years at the kura. This programme offers the chance for whānau to learn about healthier ways of cooking kai at home with their tamariki.
Doreen is always ready to help and recently organised food parcels for at risk families and delivered learning material to them. She is a huge asset to our school community.
Image supplied: Doreen Wakefield
Malcolm Rundle
Malcolm is loved and respected by the locals for his support to local events; no job is too small for him. He advocates and supports community groups, government and non-government organisations and their work.
An important role he plays is making sure locals are well informed about local events by dropping of important info in letterboxes and writes the village newsletter. Every year, it’s a joy to be invited to Malcolm’s birthday party and Christmas party along with local leaders. He makes seniors feel valued and connected. He is a real champion.
