Aotea College Kapa Haka group performed in honour of Teresa (Trey) Ropata.
Porirua’s Civic Awards for 2025 highlighted volunteers in our community striving to make our city a happy, brighter, connected and better place.
An amazing performance by Aotea College’s Kapa Haka group and a haka by City of Porirua Cadet Unit were highlights for all in attendance, both groups there to support recipients Teresa (Trey) Ropata and Jackie Adams.
The 2025 recipients were:
- Daniel Heath, from Mana Cycle Group for his work to fundraise for the pump track currently being built on Postgate Drive, along with coaching and convening at Western Suburbs Football Club and his dedication to help at Discovery School
- Gill Palmer, for her decades-long voluntary contribution in the community, including for Pregnancy Help and lately revitalising Titahi Bay Horticulture Society
- Henry Tanuvasa, who is a passionate young voice for climate change, young people and social equity
- Jim Hepburn, a tireless volunteer outdoors, including lead roles with the pest free groups in Pāuatahanui and Paremata, and who shares his joy of tramping with many, many others
- Jill Dalton, whose varied work in the community over the years includes pest control, planting, weeding, wetland development, clearing tracks and work with Land Search and Rescue, and mentoring others in tramping and mountaineering
- Jackie Adams, who has helped revive the City of Porirua Cadet Unit into one of the best in the region
- John Hodges, someone who has supported youth in the city’s east for more than 50 years and established Porirua Canoe Kayak Club and the first Polynesian Club, along with environmental restoration in Bothamley Park
- Matuavao Pusa, who has helped provide research about the housing and community needs of Pacific people with disabilities
- Murray Gillon, a long-time volunteer for the Mary Potter Hospice Day Programme, Lions, Te Whare Tiaki Wahine and a founder of the Ruth Gillon Memorial Trust
- Sharon Gibson, who has been a volunteer with Girl Guiding NZ for more than 20 years, coordinating training, trips and catering
- Teresa (Trey) Ropata, a dedicated music teacher and a strong supporter of the Aotea College Kapa Haka Group, who leads with passion and heart.
The Porirua Civic Awards have been running since 1993 and these local heroes deserve our thanks for their selfless and generous service, often over many years.
30 Jul 2025
