2024 Award Winners
Tiaki o Tahuna
To Care for the People and the Place of Queenstown
The Gibbston Valley 2024 Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate those individuals, organisations, groups and corporate entities who put their hand up and contribute in a philanthropic way to the Wakatipu community and who hold true to the values that collectively define what is unique about the place we call home.
Congratulations to our 2024 winners:
HEART OF THE WAKATIPU MAYORAL AWARD: Sponsored by QLDC
Winners of the Heart of the Wakatipu 2024
Charlie Phillips
Craig "Ferg" Ferguson
Ken McIntyre
Nanette Bennington
Vanessa van Uden
EDUCATION: Sponsored by Jarden
Recognising those making outstanding contributions to learning in the Wakatipu
2024 Winner EDUCATION: Trevor and Agnieszka Gile - Liger Leadership Academy
Finalists: Daniel Gibbons - Wakatipu High School Foundation (WHSF)
Emily Chirnside - Kotahi Mano Kāika
HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Sponsored by Findex
Recognising contributions to the health and wellbeing of our community
2024 Winner for HEALTH & WELL-BEING: Debbie Swain-Rewi - Glenorchy Community Trust
Anna Dorsey - Headlight Charitable Trust
Chenin Madden - Cre8ing Balance
SPORT & RECREATION: Sponsored by Deloitte
Recognising those committed to enriching the lives of those in the Wakatipu through sport and active recreation
2024 Winner for SPORT & RECREATION: Queenstown Mountain Bike Club
Finalists: Jamie and Chris Seymour - Queenstown Parkrun
Wakatipu Junior Golf (Futures Wakatipu)
ARTS & CULTURE: Sponsored by Sky City
Recognising those who make a significant contribution to the arts and culture in our community
2024 Winner for ARTS and CULTURE: Emma Wilson - Turn Up the Music
Finalists: Olivia Egerton - Te Atamira
Queenstown Writers and Readers Festival
RESILIENCE: Sponsored by PowerNet
Recognising those who care and those who come to our aid whenever the call is made
2024 Winner for RESILIENCE: Ed Halson - LandSAR
Finalists: Andrea Balona - QT Community Cats
Gary Hough - Kiwi Harvest
SENIOR SUPPORT: Sponsored by Eichardt’s
Recognising those individuals and organisations making a positive difference in the lives of the Wakatipu’s seniors
2024 Winner for SENIOR SUPPORT: Leisurelys - QLDC
Finalists: Nikau Farrell, George Espie, Joshua Clamp - Liger Leadership Academy
Kirsten Dennison - Your Saving Grace
YOUTH IMPACT: Sponsored by Walker & Co Realty
Recognising contributions to youth services
2024 Winner for YOUTH IMPACT: Whakatipu Youth Trust
Finalists: Harry Seeto - Wakatipu High School
Lisa Leftley - Pivotal Point
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY: Sponsored by Skyline
Recognising contributions to environment
2024 Winner for ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY: Chris Dagg - Environmental Stewardship
Finalists: Paul Kavanagh - Southern Lakes Sanctuary
Whakatipu Wildlife Trust
SOCIAL IMPACT INNOVATOR: Sponsored by Duncan Cotterill
Recognising contributions to growing giving and social impact
2024 Winner for SOCIAL IMPACT INNOVATOR: Julia Strelou - Inspirational Women Awards
Finalists: Ash Bickley - Love Queenstown Community Fund
Sarah Bland - Whakatipu Wild School
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP: Sponsored by Brannigans
Recognising organisations dedicated to making the Wakatipu a smarter, safer, healthier and more sustainable place
2024 Winner for CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP: Mountain Club
Finalists: Level Plumbing & Electrical
Wynn Williams
COMMUNITY SERVICE: Sponsored by Queenstown Airport Corporation
Recognising community champions who exemplify serving community before self
2024 Winner for COMMUNITY SERVICE: Inner Wheel Club of Queenstown
Finalists: Beryle Ravenwood - Canine Friends Pet Therapy
The Kiwi Kit Community Trust
RISING STAR (Under 25): Sponsored by Mountain Club
Recognising youth (under 25yr) making positive change in the Wakatipu
2024 Winner for RISING STAR: Girls Who Grow - Ellie Kerr, Lucy Boniface, Lucy Thompson, Manuella Sanches Pedrosa
Finalists: Jess Hudson - Wakatipu High School
Mikaela Patterson - Wakatipu High School
PEOPLES CHOICE AWARD: Sponsored by Mountain Scene
Jamie & Chris Seymour - Queenstown Parkrun
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