Volunteers Told Their Efforts Are Appreciated

Volunteers said thank you for the acknowledgement by Lower Hutt Mayor Ray Wallace of their services to the community when he and Volunteer Hutt hosted them to breakfast at the Dowse today (5 December).

“Nobody volunteers for the appreciation but it was good to know the Mayor and his councillors are aware of the value of the effort that goes into supporting community activities across the city,” said Hutt Play Centre member Mishi Berecz from Petone.
Mayor Wallace said he appreciated the effort and commitment of volunteers and the difference they made to making Lower Hutt a good place to live.

“The strength of the Hutt is in its communities and the strength of communities is volunteers,” he told the 100 or so who attended the breakfast where Billy Graham spoke of the volunteer support he has received in developing his boxing academy in Naenae.

“We as a city can never repay the debt we owe all the volunteers who are continually building and strengthening our city,” the Mayor said.

Coordinator of the Hutt City Volunteers group, Katie Terris, said she was very pleased with the response by volunteers who took the time to attend the event.

“Our volunteers cover so many aspects of our life within the city and their efforts are much appreciated,” she said.

Volunteers made a wall of sticky notes where they wrote why they enjoy working for others.
Karate instructor with the Wainuiomata – based Wellington Regional Karate Academy, Scott McKenzie, who has 60 students across all ages.

“The big thing we do is grow self confidence within our students and lift their eyes off the floor,” he said.