2026 Annual Volunteer Awards
During National Volunteer Week, Volunteering Waikato – Te Ohu Tuuao o Waikato proudly celebrated the 2026 Annual Volunteer Awards. This annual event is all about recognising the incredible people and groups who give so much to strengthen our communities.
We were blown away by the stories of kindness, commitment, and dedication. Thank you to every volunteer, and congratulations to all our nominees, winners, and runnerups—you make our communities better every day!
Event Award Sponsored by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Winner
Alexander Keith Flockhart
New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Keith played a key role in Fieldays 2025, contributing across customer engagement, parcel logistics and site operations.
Runner Up
Chris Horsfield
New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Chris lead the parking operations for the largest carpark at Fieldays 2025 managing over 5000 vehicles in challenging conditions
Governance Award Sponsored by Harkness Henry
Winner
Bronwyn Blair
The Colville Project Trust and Colville Junction
Bronwyn has served as Chairperson and Trustee of the Colville Project Trust for over a decade guiding its evolution and governance.
Runner Up
Ken Stephens
Angel Casts
Ken has been a founding trustee and acting treasurer of Angel Casts Charitable Trust for 12 years, helping establish its governance and register it as a charity.
Youth Award sponsored by My Kaitiaki Media
Winner
Jaron McGuire
Te Rauhii Charitable Trust
Jaron helps run music classes, leads rhythm sessions and steps in wherever needed. Passionate about inclusion he even learned NZ sign language to support a deaf student.
Runner Up
Dihansa Piyumdee
Community Education & Research Trust
Piyumdee has helped develop a volunteer induction programme, created training materials and supports volunteer onboarding, alongside her role as secretary.
Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by First Credit Union
Winner
John Cubitt
Op Shop for Breast Cancer
John is a founding volunteer where he leads donations processing and supports operations 3-4 days a week.
Runner Up
Vicki Hill
Angel Casts Charitable Trust
Vicki has volunteered with Angel Casts for 7 years as both an on-call casting volunteer and Chairperson.
Individual Award – Hamilton
Winner
Andrea Lane
Angel Casts Charitable Trust
Andrea is an on-call casting volunteer supporting families experiencing the loss of a baby or child across Hamilton and the Waikato.
Runner Up
Israa Owaidah
Vinnies Hamilton
Known for her calm caring nature, Israa goes above and beyond to support others and create a welcoming experience for everyone who visits the store.
Individual Award – Regional – Sponsored by Taka and Ngarui Wihongi
Winner
Brigette McMillan
Brigette leads a team supporting people receiving cancer treatment at Thames Hospital.
Runner Up
Hayley Thomas
Girl Guiding NZ
Hayley leads the Cambridge Rangers Unit supporting young people through mentorship, leadership and inclusive programme delivery.
Long Service – Sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners
Winner
Nancy Rounthwaite
English Language Partners Waikato
For over 30 years Nancy has helped migrants and refugees build their language skills, confidence and independence.
Runner Up
Simon Genet
Cancer Society Waikato/BOP
Simon has volunteered for over 23 years giving his time every Friday at the Cancer Society Lions Lodge without fail.
Team Award Sponsored by Sky City
Winner
Te Kauwhata Volunteer Fire Brigade
This team dedicates hundreds of hours each year protecting their community and responding to emergencies.
Runner Up
Transport to Treatment Team
Cancer Society Waikato /BOP
Drivers volunteer their time and vehicles to support people with cancer attending essential medical appointments.
2025 Annual Volunteer Awards
Event Award Sponsored by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Winner
Margaret Cameron
New Zealand National Fieldays Society
Margaret’s 16 years with NZ National Fieldays Society showcase her calm leadership, dedication, and strong support for all volunteers.
Runner Up
Max Krotov
Project Management Institute
Max led the first Hamilton Project Management Day of Service, connecting project managers with local nonprofits.
Governance Award Sponsored by Taka and Ngarui Wihongi
Winner
Annie Muggeridge
ROC Trust
Annie’s collaborative leadership at ROC Trust drove successful rebranding, strengthened board culture, and fostered inclusivity and mentorship.
Runner Up
Priya Kurian
Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust
Priya’s 20+ years as founder and trustee of Shama highlight her exceptional leadership, strategic guidance, and commitment to empowering women.
Youth Award sponsored by My Kaitiaki Media
Winner
Keira Hayidakis
Cancer Society Waikato/BOP
Volunteering as an Accommodation Host, leading fundraising events and inspiring her peers, Keira shows that young people can make a powerful difference.
Runner Up
Liam Carter
HCC, Bike Hamilton
Liams proactive spirit and can-do attitude shine in river clean-ups and promoting inclusive cycling, inspiring all ages, driving positive and lasting community change.
Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by First Credit Union
Winner
Lois Ure
Interlock NZ
Lois is the steady heartbeat of Interlocknz, nurturing volunteers and creating resources that provide a safe space for people with disabilities.
Runner Up
Dianne Arnold
Dress for Success Hamilton
Dianne dedicates her lunch breaks to steaming and sorting clothing, setting up and packing down sale events, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Individual Award – Hamilton
Winner
Dave Evans
Hamilton City Cadet Unit
David genuinely cares for the young people he supports, creating opportunities that build their confidence and make a meaningful, lasting difference in their lives.
Runner Up
Cláudia Ivanocko
Insight Endometriosis
Cláudia volunteers as a translator and service navigator, improving access to health information and support. Her empathy, reliability, and initiative make a real difference.
Individual Award – Regional
Winner
Greg Townsend
Haakarimata Restoration Group
Through pest control, planting natives, and partnerships, Greg has restored 2,000 hectares and laid the foundation for taonga species’ return on the Haakarimata ranges.
Runner Up
Horahaeare Scott
Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana
For decades, Horahaere has led beach protection, community planting, and inspired action, blending cultural wisdom and a fierce love for the land.
Long Service – Sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners
Winner
Paul Burroughs
Stroke Foundation Hamilton
Volunteering for 32 years, Paul’s resilience, tireless commitment, and reliability make him the backbone of the Stroke Foundation.
Runner Up
Hazel Robertson
Cancer Society Waikato/BOP
Hazel’s 35+ years volunteering as a Transport to Treatment driver and Daffodil Day coordinator show her compassion, reliability, and deep commitment.
Team Award Sponsored by Sky City
Winner
Shed Volunteers
Kids in Need Waikato
With warmth, precision, and deep commitment, the team help prepare over 1700 care packs for children entering care throughout the Waikato.
Runner Up
Maryanne & Jimmy Tainui
Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust
Embodying Kotahitanga through their humble, tireless commitment to Kotahitanga Day Programme, they create joyful and inclusive spaces that uplift Kaumātua.

