Unsung heroes and helpers were celebrated recently at the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Volunteer awards.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says a study in 1999 showed unpaid work in New Zealand was worth as much as $40 billion, equal to about 40 per cent of gross domestic product.
“That is a significant percentage of our economy and without that unpaid work, our society simply would not function and would collapse.”
He says having a community filled with dedicated and passionate volunteers with a genuine empathy for their neighbours, the people, families and community, is something that matters.
“As a board we are proud to recognise these amazing volunteers".
Snaps from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Volunteer awards 2023
"A great deal has happened in our community – and to it. Every time we see our people react, we’re moved by an enthusiastic volunteer community that always rises to the occasion and is so willing to help. They are fully committed to the cause, deeply passionate and have a genuine empathy for the people,” he says.
“Apologies that we don't have billions to pay you tonight, but as a community we do want to say thank you and recognise your efforts.”
Almost 30 volunteers were honoured after organisations were encouraged to nominate up to five people whose contributions had not been recognised before.
One of the categories was for Covid-19, acknowledging those who took extraordinary care and offered their services during the pandemic.
Manukau Ward councillor Lotu Fuli joined board members for an evening that also featured performances from local community groups, with award recipients receiving a plant to grow at their homes as a token of the board’s appreciation.
Recipients
Young people making a difference: Tyla Paoo, Sarbjot Robert Singh, Aadi Singh Panesar and Sarabjot Singh Saini.
Community Service local heroes: Edgar Romans and Yvonne Hinemoa Hawkins, Mereana Peka, Karnail Singh, Jenny Sahid, Manpreet Singh, Balkar Singh, Harpreet Singh, Parmvir Singh, Jugraj Singh, Edgar Romans, Shipu Jin, Chi Kuen Yeung, JunKang Yang, Xialing Jiao, Yan Sun, Jinquan Wang, Shuxia He, and Vaine Puapii Elia – also for seniors.
Covid 19: NZ Middlemore Sangam Incorporated - Karunesh Anand and Pardip Kumar.
Seniors: Narend Are.
Sports: Renee Tawhi.
Culture: Melinderjit Kaur Panesar.
Snaps from the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Volunteer awards 2023
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