Katiki Point Penguin Charitable Trust Wins Top Waihemo Award

The Katiki Point Penguin Charitable Trust has won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Waihemo Community Awards.

The Awards were announced and presented on 5 October at a function at the Waihemo Lodge in Palmerston.

For winning the Supreme Award, the Katiki Point Penguin Charitable Trust received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money. The Katiki Point Charitable Trust now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2009 TrustPower National Community Awards, which are being held in the Nelson/Tasman districts in March 2010.

The Katiki Point Charitable Trust also won a six month subscription to Fundraising in New Zealand magazine, New Zealand's only monthly publication dedicated to all things fundraising.

In total, TrustPower has given away $5,000 to various community groups through tonight’s Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Melanie Gray says volunteers from the Katiki Point Penguin Charitable Trust invest many hours into ensuring the future of this region’s unique wildlife.

“Katiki Point provides a safe haven for over 70% of North Otago’s Yellow Eyed Penguins. Volunteers care for 93 sick and injured penguins in their penguin hospital, as well as maintaining two reserves and the upkeep of predator controls,” said Miss Gray.

“Katiki Point attracts over 20,000 visitors each year, as well as maintaining the website www.penguins.org.nz to keep the public updated. The volunteer hours involved in these activities are huge, and it is great to recognise the incredible work happening on our doorstep,” she said.

The competition for this year’s TrustPower Waihemo Community Awards was tough with 19 groups nominated for the Awards.

Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton was very impressed not only be the number, but also the calibre of nominees this year.

“The community can take pride in the number and high quality of nominations for this year’s TrustPower Awards,” said Mayor Familton.

“These awards recognise and reward our community volunteers. TrustPower have helped to focus on the depth and importance of volunteers to our social structures,” he said.

Other winners at theTrustPower Waihemo Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Waihemo Heritage Trust

Health and Well Being
Winner: Good Samaritans
Runner-Up: East Otago Relief Network Trust

Arts and Culture
Winner: East Otago Woodturners Inc.
Runner-Up: Puketapu Radio

Sport and Leisure
Winner: Waikouaiti District Pony Club

Educational and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Hampden Skate Park Society Inc.
Runner-Up: Palmerston Presbyterian Church

For more information or for photos of the winners please contact:
Melanie Gray
Community Relations Representative
Ph: 03 433 0054
Email: melanie.gray@trustpower.co.nz

For more information about Fundraising in New Zealand magazine go to www.foresee.co.nz .

For more information on the TrustPower Community Awards please visit www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards.