Volunteering Waikato – Te Ohu Tuuao o Waikato was proud to host the 2025 Volunteer Excellence Awards, a special event held as part of National Volunteer Week. This annual celebration recognises and honours the incredible individuals and groups who generously give their time, energy, and heart to support our communities.
This year a record number of nominations were received and Volunteering Waikato thanks all volunteers in our communities, congratulates all nominees and recognises the following winners and runner ups.
Event Award by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society
This award recognises an individual who made a significant contribution to a successful event in 2024 within the Waikato region.
Whether through offering their time or skills to help organise or support the seamless delivery of an event, their dedication underscores the essential role volunteers play in bringing events to life and creating memorable experiences for all involved.
Winner: Margaret Cameron, Team Lead for NZ National Fieldays Society Inc.
Runner up: Max Krotov, Lead - Waikato Branch, Project Management Institute
Governance Award
Good governance is the backbone of any organisation. Often, governing boards are made up of volunteers who bring sound, objective decision-making to the table. This award recognises and celebrates the leadership, commitment, and hard work of someone who volunteers in a governance role – helping to guide and grow their organisation.
Winner: Annie Muggeridge, Chair Person for The Refugee Orientation Centre Trust
Runner up: Priya Kurian, Trustee for Shama Ethnic Women's Trust
Youth Award sponsered by My Kaitiaki
Young people are the future of the Waikato – and they bring so much to our communities. This award celebrates someone aged 24 or under who has shown a genuine commitment to volunteering. Whether they've given their time, shared innovative ideas, or used their skills to make a difference, this award is all about recognising their impact and the passion they bring to helping others.
Winner: Keira Hayidakis ,Accommodation Host, amongest other roles, for Cancer Society Waikato/BOP
Runner up: Liam Carter, Volunteer for Hamilton City Council - Natural Areas and Bike Hamilton
Unsung hero Award - Sponsored by First Credit Union
This award recognises a behind-the-scenes volunteer whose efforts might go unnoticed but are truly invaluable. They’re the quiet achievers – the ones who step up without seeking recognition, consistently giving their time, energy, and skills to support others.
Whether it’s organising logistics, lending a hand with the less glamorous tasks, or being the reliable person everyone can count on, this award celebrates the dedication and heart of those who make a big impact from the background.
Winner: Lois Ure, Founder of Interlocknz Charitable Trust
Runner up: Dianne Arnold, Behind the scenes event helper for Dress For Success Hamilton Trust
Individual Award – Hamilton
This award celebrates a volunteer who gives their time, energy, and passion to the people around them – specifically within Hamilton.
It recognises someone who has made a meaningful impact by supporting and uplifting others, showing genuine care for individuals, groups, and communities they serve. This category honours volunteers from across diverse sectors, including environmental, health and wellbeing, people groups, and ethnicities, acknowledging the broad and inclusive nature of their contributions. The Hamilton area is based on the City Council boundaries.**
Winner: Dave Evans, Unit Commander for Hamilton City Cadet Unit
Runner up: Cláudia Ivanocko, Service Navigator for Insight Endometriosis
Individual Award – Regional
This award recognises a volunteer who has made a significant difference in the Waikato region (excluding Hamilton).
It celebrates those who go above and beyond to support their communities. In many of our regional towns, volunteering is the heartbeat of the community. Volunteers give countless hours to help others, and we want to honour their dedication and the invaluable contributions they make to strengthening and uplifting their local areas.
Winner: Greg Townsend, Founder of Haakarimata Restoration Group
Runner up: Horahaere Scott, Community connector and coastal kaitiaki for Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana, Onepu Trust
Long Service - Sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners
This award honours a volunteer who has made a significant and lasting contribution to their community over a lifetime. With at least 15 years of volunteer work in the Waikato region, this individual has dedicated their time, skills, and passion to one or more organisations, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those around them and the causes they support.
Winner: Paul Burroughs , Secretary/Treasurer/Fundraiser for Stroke Foundation Hamilton
Runner up: Hazel Robertson, Team Leader Transport to Treatment Te Awamutu for Cancer Society Waikato/BOP
Team Award Sponsored by Sky City
This award recognises the collective effort of a volunteer team and their impact on the communities they serve. When individuals come together with shared purpose and dedication, great things can be achieved. This award celebrates the commitment, collaboration, and positive outcomes that result from the teamwork and joint efforts of volunteers working towards a common goal.
Winner: Shed Volunteers Kids in Need Waikato
Runner up: Maryanne & Jimmy Tainui volunteers for Rauawaawa Kaumatua Charitable Trust
Congratulations again to all Award nominees and Award recipients.
Photos will soon be posted on Volunteering Waikato's Facebook and Instagram pages.
