Leadership, support and dedication to the community recognised in annual awards

Four Kaipara citizens have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to the community at this year’s Kaipara Citizens Awards.  

Jan Beatty, Ken Rayward, Roxanne Kelly, and Dania Wood were all honoured in a special ceremony at the Dargaville Lighthouse Function Centre (held 23 October). Celebrated annually, the awards recognise leadership, dedication, and voluntary service that benefit the people and well-being of Kaipara. Each award recipient was presented with a certificate and Kauri tree from Kaipara District Mayor Craig Jepson.   

Jan Beatty was celebrated for more than 40 years of volunteer service to the community, including as president of the Upper Wairoa Memorial Park Association for the last 16 years. Jan was part the community who built the previous Tangiteroria complex in 1987. After a fire destroyed it in 2020, Jan led the committee for the rebuild through the last four years.  Jan’s commitment to creating a vibrant and inclusive space was through many funding community efforts and burger nights. Her nominators described her as an unassuming character and humble, who wants to have a vibrant place that the community can be proud of. Community members present at the awards ceremony described Jan as the go to person that supports the community when needed. 

Roxanne Kelly was acknowledged for her extensive involvement in multiple community organisations, including the Hikuwai O Kaipara Waka Ama Club, Kaipara Cycling and the Te Kōpuru Community Development Board. As treasurer and board member for several groups, Roxanne has built strong connections and fostered inclusivity across the district. Chair of the Awards and Grants Committee, Councillor Eryn Wilson-Collins commented that Roxanne is a pillar of the community and has such passion for the health and wellbeing of the community and people.  

Dania Wood received her award in recognition of nearly two decades of volunteer work, including with the Northern Wairoa Bulls Rugby League Club, where she has held numerous roles managing teams, as treasurer, and organising events. Her efforts have helped develop youth sport programmes and supported the local sporting community. Community members Terianna and Keely said that “people like Dania make our community a better place to live, encouraging and keeping the community positive while giving her time to the kids and youth ensuring they get to play”. 

Ken Rayward, a tireless advocate for the Mangawhai community and its natural assets, received both a Citizens Award and the Honorary Mayoral Award. Ken’s leadership over many years for the Save Our Sands campaign, along with his significant contributions to the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society and the Mangawhai Activity Zone were just a few of his contributions recognised. Ken was described as the person you see everywhere, rallying the community with humility and passion for all initiatives he is involved in. Three nominations were put forward for Ken.  

Mayor Craig Jepson closed the celebrations acknowledging the recipients, saying, "It’s an honour to celebrate these exceptional individuals whose grassroots leadership and selfless dedication strengthen the Kaipara community and inspire us all." 

For more information about the Kaipara Citizens Awards go to the KDC website www.kaipara.govt.nz/citizens-awards-2