Leo Koppens, second right, with Waikato mayor Jacqui Church while watching on are Tamahere Woodlands ward councillors Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis. Photo: Supplied.
Tamahere ‘s Leo Koppens has been recognised for his work in the latest Waikato District Council’s Mayoral Community Awards.
Koppens’ contribution to the Tamahere community has been notable in recent times for his work as chair of the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust.
The trust, with help from a recently introduce targeted rate, is cleaning up kilometres of tracks from Tamahere to Hillcrest as well as clearing pests from gullies.
Waikato District Mayor Jacqui Church’s Mayoral Awards said the recipients of the awards were shining stars.
A total of 32 people were honoured in the latest mayoral list, including Matangi’s Kitty Burton and Sue Edmonds from Eureka.
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Sue Edmonds with Waikato mayor Jacqui Church. Photo: Supplied.
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Kitty Burton pictured with her award with from left, Tamahere Woodlands councillors Mike Keir and Crystal Beavis with Waikato mayor Jacqui Church at right, Photo: Supplied.
Church said the award winners played a big part in helping the council achieve its vision of creating liveable, thriving and connected communities.
“We cannot achieve that vision alone. We need to work with our communities to do that,” she said.
Mayoral Community Award winners for 2023 are: Tuakau, Margaret ‘Jae’ Semau, Megan and Shane Groom, Tutekiha Tupaea, Dave Barnes. Huntly, Phil Ludwig, Claire Molloy, Red Wootton, James Rawiri. Raglan, Angeline Greensill, Margaret Dillon, Kevin Holmes. Pōkeno, Doug and Marion Rowe, Helen Clotworthy. Ngāruawāhia, Moera Solomon, Lynne Tahana. Te Kauwhata, Glen Whitaker, Rhonda Irvine. Eureka, Sue Edmonds. Gordonton, John Bridgman. Mātangi, Kitty Burton. Mangatangi, Robyn Budd. Meremere Ben Brown. Onewhero, Wenny Lubbers. Otaua, Kay Vincent. Tamahere, Leo Koppens. Taupiri, Tukukino George. Te Kowhai, Amanda Jongeneel. Wairamarama, Kate Reese.