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