Kiwibank Local Heroes Medal Recipients for
Nelson
Averil West of Nelson
Averil is known in the community as the Human Dynamo. Over the past 20 years Averil has managed to get half of Nelson on its feet and active. Averil and her husband Graham formed the Nelson Striders in 1987 for like minded joggers who are interested in socializing and receiving expert training. The group is still free of charge to participants and still going strong today. While establishing other events around Nelson such as the Women’s Tri, the Blokes Day out and the Jingle Bells Jog, Averil has held the roles of Treasurer and Secretary for Cycling Nelson. Averil’s amount of energy and way in dealing with people always finds favour with those who participate in one of her many events.
After a motor bike accident several years ago, Carol suffered internal injuries along with losing one arm and one leg. Since 1992 though, she has acted as Treasurer, Secretary, Manager and Coach of the Nelson Bays Wheelchair Basketball Club. Along with this, Carol has also been active in recruiting players, liaising with the media, advocating and fundraising on behalf of the club. Carol encourages the display of commitment, passion, energy, enjoyment and determination at all times from her players and other club members. Carol’s work is all voluntary and has committed a large number of hours to the organization over the years.
Gary is easily recognized for the ability in rolling up his sleeves and putting his head down to accomplish the things that many take for granted. Having been involved with hockey in Nelson as a Player, Club President and Coach for over 30 years Gary is recognized within the local community for volunteering his time and ample enthusiasm. As a Life Member of the Federal Hockey Club, Gary has just about done it all over the years. He started playing in 1982 for the club and was a committee member not too soon after. Whilst at the club Gary has also had a significant role in the management and development of hockey at the regional level as well. Gary put in endless hours in to raising funds, working with sponsors and the council to build a new hockey and softball pavilion and facility for the community.
Jack is the Chairman and undisputed leader of the Friends of Motueka Hospital Trust who have undertaken the very worthy challenge of making the desire for better hospital care a reality in Motueka. After more than 15 years of fund raising, hard work and community support the new hospital opened in June 2009. Without much material reward, with seemingly inexhaustible energy Jack applied his judgment and enthusiasm to overcome all of the physical and financial obstacles in making the best hospital possible a reality.
Nigel has worked some long hours in raising money to secure some of Motueka’s more notable land marks. For the past 10 years Nigel has been actively involved with the Motueka Clock Tower Trust that has been charged with looking after and maintaining the clock. He helped organize a dirt bike show with Josh Coppins to raise enough money to purchase and restore the Clock Tower. Along with this Nigel also helped rebuild the saltwater baths. With this he even cleans them every year free of charge and also arranges for others to look after their up keep.
Sue is a lawyer, scientist and mother of three. Over the past 18 months, Sue has made quite an extraordinary contribution to society as a community leader and as a lawyer. Sue has been fearless in tackling injustice in the local community and a profound institutional bias. Through all the challenges Sue has found immeasurable energy to reach out to her community to help keep the government and telecommunications companies accountable to the people.