Local legends celebrated with Mayoral Community Awards

Two of our very own local legends won an award at the recent local legends community awards. There were many deserving recipients of the award but we are extra proud of these two!

Cath Oldfield and Clyff Harrington.

We all know how hard these two work to make our community a better place and it was fantastic to see their effort recognised.

Cath was unable to attend the ceremony but Clyff and other winners joined Mayor David Trewavas on stage at the Great Lake Centre on September 29th and had their efforts formally acknowledged.

The work of the recipients included volunteering in hospitals, emergency services, coaching sports, predator trapping, and much more.

Here’s what Taupō district council had to say..

Clyff Harrington

”Clyff started a humble team of predator trappers six years ago with the aim of providing a safe home for the native bird population that spilled over from the Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary.

Now Clyff has a team of 60 volunteers looking after the Waikato River Corridor from Spa Park to Aratiatia Dam.

Clyff spends hours coordinating teams, applying for funding and monitoring progress to ensure the project remains sustainable.

There is so much amazing work along the Waikato River Corridor that is being done by a dedicated and hard-working team of volunteers. It takes a lot of coordination to ensure an effective and sustainable project and Clyff has worked incredibly hard to see this come to fruition.”

Cath Oldfield

”Cath from Kids Bike Taupo has been teaching young people how to ride bicycles since 2012, tirelessly going around to every school and early learning centre as well as sessions at various locations around the district to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn to ride.

Cath is self-directed, has clear goals for her work and is savvy in what she needs to get there.

Cath has had a huge positive impact on the lives of people young and old and truly is a gem of Taupō, whose impact will continue to be felt for years to come.”

Well done to Cath and Clyff.