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.