Bike Taupo win supreme award

Volunteers throughout the District were recognised this week at the District TrustPower awards with the Supreme award going to Bike Taupo

Bike Taupo’s Richard Balm said winning the supreme award was an honour, “it was a complete surprise and its great to have the efforts of all of those involved recognised.” He says Bike Taupo have worked consistently over the last four to five years to provide walking and cycle tracks and improve safety and access for cyclists.

The group has a dedicated committee and works along side council in promoting education and awareness and changes to infrastructure to encourage Taupo as being the most cycle friendly town in New Zealand.

For winning the Supreme Award, Bike Taupo received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money.

Mr Balm says he is excited at the opportunity to represent Taupo at the national awards and he thinks they have good chance of success.

The next TrustPower National Community Awards, for 2007 winners, will be held over the Friday/Saturday of the last weekend in March 2008, in Wanaka. Taupo hosted the last national awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches says “the overall winners from each regional TrustPower Award, plus the overall winners of associated Community Awards in Wellington and Waitakere decide a National Award winner and runner up. Each region gives a 10 minute presentation about what they have done for their community and the winner is chosen by all the other regional teams, and an independent panel.”

Other winners at the Taupo District Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment

Winner: Turangi RSPCA

Runner-Up: Taupo RSPCA


Health and Well Being

Winner: Awhina Society Women’s Refuge

Runner-Up: Taupo Hospital and Health Society


Arts and Culture

Winner: Pauline’s Dance Troupe

Runner-Up: Rangitaiki Community School Association


Sport and Leisure

Winner: Taupo Model Railway Club Incorporated

Runner-Up: Turangi Wanderers Soccer Club


Educational and Child/Youth Development

Winner: Taupo Parents Centre

Runner-Up: Life Education Trust Taupo/Ruapehu


Commendations:

Waipahihi Botanical Society

Turangi Transport Group