Mayoral Awards 2026

Category: Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

Ataria-Jay is a young woman with a passion for her culture and a deep commitment to caring for her kaumaatua.

At a mere 19 years old, Ataria is already dedicated to attending over thirty poukai, and many other annual events on the Maaori calendar, which require her to travel across the motu.

She does all this while working, studying and playing netball for her club, Turangawaewae.

Ataria travels with kaumaatua, on the bus, to these events, assisting them with whatever needs arise. She regularly attends waiata practices where she helps to lead the waiata and teach the actions, holding an important role in sustaining the traditional waiata of Tainui and upholding the mana of the Kiingitanga by supporting and enabling her elders.

Ataria’s passion for te reo, her marae and her iwi is demonstrated through her dedication to service to her elders.

Category: Youth

Cleveland Mugg has made an outstanding contribution to the Tuakau community through more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service with the Tuakau Youth Centre.

Having joined the centre at just 10 years old, Cleveland’s journey reflects remarkable growth, leadership, and commitment to supporting others.

Beginning as a Junior Leader, he assisted with activities, set-up and pack-down, and provided support to staff and participants. At 14, he stepped into a Youth Leader role, confidently leading activities and helping create an inclusive environment where all young people felt welcome.

By 16, he had become a Senior Leader and took on responsibility for the centre’s popular Gaming Days, encouraging positive participation, teamwork, and respectful behaviour among rangatahi.

Now aged 21, Cleveland continues to mentor younger leaders, model positive values, and help create safe and engaging opportunities for youth. He also captains the Summer Soccer team and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.

Through his dedication, leadership, and service, Cleveland has become a respected role model and an inspiring example of the positive impact young people can have in their community.

Category: Making a difference

Di is a much-loved member of the Onewhero community, and it is her love for the community that makes her one of Onewhero’s true treasures.

She is a valued member of the Onewhero Fire Brigade, specialising in medical response as a qualified first responder and trainer, as well as volunteering with St John.

Di not only attends to patients but also serves as an ambulance driver. Di has been instrumental in the success of the Onewhero Community Response Group (OCRG).

As one of the three original members, she has been a key driver in developing and regularly reviewing the community response plan.

The OCRG was the first group to have its plan signed off by Waikato District Council, with Di’s attention to detail proving vital in delivering a comprehensive plan for the benefit of the entire community.

Her love of dogs has also served the community well, caring for lost dogs until their owners are found and assisting with rehoming when needed, all driven by her care for animals and people alike.

The Onewhero community is truly fortunate to have Di, and we are deeply grateful for her energy, generosity, kindness, and knowledge of this special part of the district.

Category: Environment

Environment Action Tuakau (EAT) is a dedicated community group committed to protecting and restoring the local environment through collective action and strong local leadership.

Drawing on a wide range of skills and experience, and ably and passionately led by Heather and Chris McGuire, the group brings together people with strengths in organisation, communication, and problem-solving to support sustainable, community-led initiatives.

EAT contributes to practical projects including weed control, native planting, and promoting sustainable practices that strengthen climate resilience.

The group plays an important role in researching and securing resources while building meaningful connections between council, iwi, government agencies, the Waikato River Authority, and the wider community, supporting a shared commitment to kaitiakitanga.

EAT has supported projects such as the harakeke planting at Les Batkin Reserve, helping to restore the awa, stabilise riverbanks, and enhance biodiversity.

Through hands-on action and community education, they bring people together around a common kaupapa. Their collective efforts are creating lasting environmental and community impact for current and future generations.

Category: Making a difference

Hine has made an exceptional contribution to the Huntly community through more than a decade of dedicated volunteer service. With humility, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others, she has supported countless individuals and whaanau across a wide range of community initiatives.

As a longstanding volunteer at the Huntly Community Hub, Hine has helped sort and distribute rescued food to families experiencing hardship, ensuring valuable resources reach those who need them most.

She was also involved in the early days of Huntly Kids Kitchen, contributing to an initiative that has supported local tamariki and whaanau for many years. Hine has volunteered with the Community Health Shuttle, providing companionship and practical support to people attending medical appointments.

Today, she is actively involved in programmes supporting the wellbeing of kaumaatua, including Age Concern initiatives, Strong and Steady classes, and a kaumaatua lunch programme that helps reduce isolation and strengthen social connections.

Through her quiet leadership, generosity, and unwavering aroha, Hine has enriched the lives of many and helped build a stronger, more connected community. She is a highly deserving recipient of this award.

Category: Making a difference

For over 20 years, Julie Lynch has been a dedicated and valued part of the Taupiri School community. She has selflessly run the Taupiri School Wednesday programme, often out of her own pocket, helping create opportunities and positive experiences for countless children in our community.

Category: Making a difference

Lee is a committed community member who dedicates significant time to supporting a range of local groups and giving back to the Tuakau community.

He plays an important role in keeping the community informed about new developments and contributes actively across multiple organisations, including the Menz Shed, the Tuakau & Districts Development Association (TDDA), the Tuakau Emergency Services Committee (TESCT), and Civil Defence.

Lee is an excellent candidate for this award, regularly attending community board meetings to stay informed about Waikato District matters and consistently offering valuable insights and contributions.

The work he undertakes behind the scenes cannot be underestimated. He is a strong and passionate advocate for the Tuakau community and comes highly recommended for this recognition.

Category: Making a Difference

Luca has made an outstanding contribution to the Raglan and Te Mata communities through his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to others. He became involved with Raglan Junior Soccer as a coach before taking on roles as team manager, referee, and eventually Chairperson in 2017.

During a period of significant growth and change, Luca provided calm, thoughtful leadership that helped the club thrive and continue serving local young people. Beyond his involvement in sport, Luca was the beloved school bus driver for children in the Te Mata and Ruapuke areas.

Known for his warmth and genuine care, he created a positive and welcoming environment for local tamariki, engaging them with quizzes, games, and end-of-year celebrations for whaanau. Luca is also a tireless community volunteer, playing a key role in revitalising the Te Mata Tennis Club and supporting the community hall.

Whether helping organise events or quietly working behind the scenes, he consistently steps up wherever needed. Through his generosity, leadership, and dedication, Luca has strengthened community connections and enriched the lives of many. He is a highly respected and deserving recipient of this award.

Category: Making a difference

Margaret has become a valued and well-known member of the community over the many years the family law firm has operated. Without ever seeking recognition, she has made a significant and positive impact on those around her.

There is nothing flashy about Margaret—what you see is what you get. She speaks honestly, says what she thinks and feels, and has a remarkable gift for expressing the English language. She also possesses a genuine empathy for people of all ages, whether they are young, elderly, or simply in need of care and support.

Whether assisting from the office or stopping to help someone on the footpath, Margaret is a larger-than-life character who brings warmth, kindness, and authenticity to every interaction.

She volunteers her time, lends her support freely, and consistently makes positive contributions to her local community, often going well beyond what could reasonably be expected of her.

Margaret is a true community-minded person whose generosity, compassion, and willingness to help others have enriched the lives of many. She is, quite simply, a real treasure.

Category: Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

At just 23 years old, Nga Mako has emerged as a dedicated leader, educator, and athlete, significantly impacting sports and youth development in the Waikato.

She played a crucial role in establishing the Rangiriri Storm Rugby League Club and Te Rua o Tarakookoomako Waka Club. Each club is a sports code under the Rangiriri Cultural Sports Club. They serve as vehicles to engage and reconnect whaanau to their whakapapa and heritage.

Nga Mako plays a pivotal role in the Waka club, coaching Tai Tamariki in essential skills such as paddling techniques, steering, and water safety. Her skills include the impressive task of towing four 15-metre waka ama canoes to events and practices.

Nga Mako is an active coach for the Rangiriri Storm Rugby League Club for the under-10’s, co-coaches the Senior Women’s, and serves as a club committee member coordinating team bonding events and preseason campaigns.

Category: Making a difference

Pastor Andre van der Merwe has made a genuine and lasting contribution to the young people of Pookeno. Seeing a need for guidance, connection, and positive direction, he established a Friday night Christian youth programme at the Pookeno Hall, funded entirely from his own pocket.

More than fifteen young people now have a safe and supportive space where they learn leadership, service, and how to contribute meaningfully to their community.

Through his time, resources, and mentorship, Pastor Andre teaches faith, purpose, and the belief that in New Zealand, hard work and commitment can build a strong and fulfilling life.

His programme has helped local youth recognise their potential and understand the role they can play in shaping Pookeno’s future.

For many of these young people, Pastor Andre has become the adult who showed up, believed in them, and changed the direction of their lives. Thank you, Pastor.

Category: Environment

Predator Free Tamahere, established in 2022, is a grassroots conservation movement transforming the ecological wellbeing of the Tamahere community.

Led by a committee of six, the group has united residents, landowners, schools, and local organisations in a shared mission to restore native biodiversity and protect the district’s unique gully systems.

Volunteers have deployed extensive trap networks, supported backyard trapping, and delivered community education that empowers households to take practical action. To date, 13,463 pests have been removed, with 572 traps currently operating across the network.

The project is delivering measurable environmental gains, including increased native bird presence and improved habitat resilience. Predator Free Tamahere reflects the values of the Waikato District—collaboration, stewardship, and pride in place—and demonstrates what can be achieved when local people take ownership of local challenges.

This Mayoral Award honours the dedication of volunteers who are improving the environment for current and future generations.

Category: Making a difference

Ray Knight of Pookeno is being nominated in recognition of his outstanding contribution to our community. Over a number of years, Ray has worked tirelessly to turn his vision of a Men's Shed organisation in Pookeno into a thriving reality.

Through his dedication, perseverance, and leadership, the Pookeno Men's Shed has become much more than a workshop; it is now a valued community hub that brings people together and provides opportunities for connection, learning, and service.

The Men's Shed serves as a meeting place, a base for community projects, a community garden, and an op shop. Most importantly, it provides a welcoming environment and a strong sense of camaraderie for people who may otherwise struggle to find their place within the community.

Ray has created a space where people feel valued, included, and supported. His commitment to strengthening community connections has already delivered significant benefits to Pookeno, and this is only the beginning. With many further social initiatives and developments planned,

Ray continues to create opportunities that will enhance the wellbeing and resilience of our growing community. Ray's selfless service, vision, and determination have made a lasting impact on countless people, making him a highly deserving recipient of a Mayoral Award.

Category: Making a difference

Richard and Sally-Ann Riddell are an unassuming yet dynamic dairy-farming duo who have contributed to the wellbeing and vitality of the Gordonton community for more than three decades as volunteers, leaders, and innovators.

Richard is a fourth-generation member of the Riddell family to serve on the local hall committee. He was elected as the third chair of the Gordonton District Committee (which was formed to incorporate the hall committee and others in 1991), and he still serves as a member.

He has held governance roles on the Gordonton School Board and the Hukanui Golf Club. As a tribute to the Riddell family and its Woodlands Estate legacy (gifted to the community in 1983), Richard formed the Woodlands Cricket Club in 1990 to hold flagstaff events for local business teams.

Sally-Ann is a local artist and founding member of the highly successful Gordonton Art and Design Trail (established in 2020 and now a significant regional attraction).

She has served as St Mary’s Church People’s Warden since 2016, as Gordonton Hall Booking Officer and District Committee member since 2019, and as an Orini Garden Club committee member since 2008. She is a former long-term member and fundraiser for Taupiri Playcentre and Gordonton School PTA.

Category: Making a difference

Taurikura NZ is a social enterprise that works to strengthen communities, organisations, and groups to build cultural capacity and cultural sustainability.

It has a particular focus on civic education through a kaupapa called Mana Tangata Mana Maangai, which aims to increase participation from whaanau and communities in both local and national democracy.

The challenge is to engage, inform, and empower people to understand that every voice matters and authentic, legitimate government is only possible when all hapori are represented at decision-making tables.

To support this, Taurikura NZ has established a collaborative community network called Waikato Local, with a mission of achieving strong participatory democracy that is truly representative of Waikato communities.

The organisation shares a commitment to creating an Aotearoa where everyone, including future generations, has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Category: Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

Te Awa is a well-loved community asset that brings people together through recreation, connection, and shared experiences.

Extending approximately 65km along the Waikato River from Ngaaruawaahia to Lake Karapiro, it is one of Aotearoa’s longest continuous concrete walking and cycling trails, with key mid and northern sections located within the Waikato District rohe.

The trail provides a safe, inclusive space for people of all ages to walk, cycle and enjoy the outdoors. It connects towns and neighbourhoods, supporting everyday use as well as longer leisure journeys with whaanau and friends.

A standout feature is the iconic Perry Bridge near Ngaaruawaahia, an award-winning flax weaving design, 130m long and 3m wide, that has become a defining landmark for pedestrians and cyclists.

Use of the trail has grown strongly, with cyclist numbers on the Ngaaruawaahia section increasing by around 435% following the bridge opening, alongside steady growth in walking use.

Enriched by public art, local stories, and strong community involvement, Te Awa continues to strengthen wellbeing, connection, and a shared sense of belonging.

Category: Environment

Whaaingaroa Weedbusters is a volunteer-led community initiative restoring native biodiversity across Raglan by removing pest plants and encouraging locals to take action.

Now in its seventh year, the group has achieved major results on a shoestring budget through countless volunteer hours, practical working bees, education, workshops, and community outreach.

Volunteers work across reserves, walkways, roadsides, marae, private properties, and key sites including Kaitoke, Lorenzen Bay, Wainui Bush Park, and Karioi maunga.

Their impact is tangible: the 2021 Weed Blitz removed around 200 cubic metres of pest plants, volunteers controlled large Privet sites that would have cost council and community partners significant sums, including work quoted at $140,000, and they continue to maintain restored areas.

Alongside weed control, volunteers teach landowners new skills, grow and share native plants, support cultural restoration projects, and collaborate with schools, marae, DOC, WRC, Karioi Project, and local residents to create lasting environmental change.

Category: Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture

Dana, President of the Whitikahu Tennis Club, leads a club of approximately 20 – 25 members. As a member club of the wider Mangawara Association, which is comprised of five clubs, the Whitikahu Club plays from October – April, followed by joining business house leagues to nurture their passion for tennis.

A volunteer club, as most of our district’s rural socio-sports clubs are, Dana with club secretary-treasurer Allan, have overseen the successful installation of the club’s new tennis lights in collaboration with Waikato District Council.

There's a strong and passionate club history that captures beautiful memoirs of those who built the club from the ground up.

We take this opportunity to honour them and invite Dana to accept this Mayoral Award for and in behalf of those past and present.