New civic awards to honour community service

Nelson City Council will honour 13 residents throughout the year as part of a new civic awards scheme.

At a council meeting on Thursday, councillors voted to establish the new awards.

Recipients will be nominated by councillors, but the public will be able to make suggestions, mayor Nick Smith said when he raised the motion in his mayor’s report.

It was a way to honour the work of people in Nelson that served the community, he said.

“I am continuously amazed by the level of dedication and commitment that a large number of people in this community give in terms of service to our community.”

He did not believe the council did enough to recognise community champions, he said.

In his report proposing the idea, Smith said the awards would honour people who had “selflessly contributed to our city to advance community well-being, culture, heritage, sport, education, environment, arts, industry or commerce”.

“The focus is on people who have contributed voluntarily, have made exceptional contributions through their length of service, leadership and impact and who have enhanced the city and lives of others.”

In the meeting he said the awards would be given out about every three months at council meetings.

“My ambition is to keep the administration and bureaucracy costs to a minimum, to maximise the recognition that we give to those that do great work in our community.”

Each councillor would get a chance to make a nomination, starting in order of seniority on council, and awards would only be given if a majority of councillors agreed.

Awards can be given to people of any age, and up to 12 months posthumously.

Recipients will not have to live in Nelson, but their contribution to Nelson must be exceptional to be recognised.

Councillor Mel Courtney commended the initiative and said the community could not function without volunteers.

He predicted many would be reluctant to accept the recognition, but said it was important to “shine a light” and the work being done in the community.

“It is good that we as community leaders just pause … and acknowledge these people.”

By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail