My cousin Josie Naysmith (Nee Vulitich) Seven Kaipara citizens honoured by Alan Wheatley 2013 Dargaville, Northland, New Zealand All seven nominees in this year’s Kaipara Citizen of the Year Awards have been recognised for outstanding service to their community. The Kaipara District Council’s 2013 Citizens of the Year from left: Josie Naysmith, KDC Chair John Robertson, Jacoba Puharich, Vern Stevens, Jo Yuretich, Judith Langmuir, Sandra Grayson, KDC commissioner Colin Dale and Neville Collins They were honoured at a ceremony at The Lighthouse conducted by the chair of the Kaipara District Council commissioners, John Robertson and fellow commissioner Colin Dale. Each nominee received a special commemorative lapel pin and a framed certificate plus flowers and a native plant gift at the presentation. The event is now in its 13th year, and Mr Robertson said he was ‘humbled by the achievements’ of those honoured and said the list of service and achievements among the winners was impressive. Neville Collins’ 18 years of community involvement spans working with the Citizens Advice Bureau, the Dargaville Little Theatre, the Dargaville Scouts where he has been treasurer for more than six years, as well as years of work for numerous other organisations were also recognised. Jacoba Puharich was recognised for her many years work as a social worker with Northland Health, The Dargaville Community Cinema Charitable Trust, Kaipara Abuse Prevention, the Northern Wairoa Patient Advocacy Group, the National Council of Women, and many other local organisations and clubs. Many years of working with sports groups and young people saw Vern Stevens called to accept an award. Vern has coached local rugby, netball and swimming teams, was treasurer of the Southern Rugby Club and President of the Northern Athletic Club, Northern Wairoa Primary School Sports and Dargaville Swimming Club and has been involved with the Kauri Coast Community Pool since 2005. Jo Yuretich was awarded for her nonstop involvement with the Mangawhai community, through the local Plunket Society, the playgroup and kindergarten, where her fundraising has seen a boost in educational toys and equipment. Along with this Jo is involved with the Mangawhai Domain Committee, and is president of the Friends of Mangawhai Beach School organising numerous fundraising events. Another Mangawhai resident recognised for her tireless youth service was Sandra Grayson. Along with her own five children, Sandra has provided foster care for several young people, is involved with the volunteer fire brigade and was instrumental in the formation of the Mangawhai Army Cadet Unit, which currently has 54 young members under her command. The highly successful cadet unit has been acknowledged by local parents, the Hakaru RSA and NZ Police. Making up a Mangawhai trio was Judith Langmuir who has spent many years as volunteer librarian for the Mangawhai library, committing many hours of her experience. The gathering heard how Judith is responsible for selection, purchase and bar-coding of all books, is in charge of work rosters, helps with administration and also promotes new library membership. Josie Naysmith, a dedicated supporter of the local RSPCA, has rescued and cared for many cats and dogs and in the process has promoted companionship for the elderly by matching animals with suitable human friends. She has worked for many years promoting animal welfare at school events, and has been responsible for arranging work experience for local young people while assisting in career guidance. Josie has also coached junior rugby, netball and gymnastics and for 23 years has been involved as a dancer and tutor with the Dargaville Dalmation Club’s Kolo dance group. Another highlight of the afternoon was music provided by the Dargaville Tamburica Orchestra.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 03:20:49 +0000
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