COMMUNITY AWARDS NIGHT
Rotary International President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo introduced the theme of “Unite for Good” at the 2025 International Assembly And it was that theme that exemplified the recipients of our four community awards presented earlier in July. All recipients had great credentials and in the material that follows there is a brief summary with the full detail of each being in the read on section below.
Barry Wood
Barry and Jewel Wood have lived at Cockle Bay for over 30 years. During that time Barry with the support of Jewel has done a huge amount of community work.
Barry was appointed an Honorary Fisheries Officer in 2006 and in that role has worked to protect not only Cockle Bay but other fisheries throughout the Auckland area.
Sarah Kavanagh
From the time Sarah moved to our area she has been closely involved in helping within the community.
She has managed children's football teams at BB AFC and been a committee member of the Howick Rhythmic Gymnastics Club.Sarah sits on the Board of Trustees at Shelly Park School and holds the community liaison role. She has also been a member of the school's PTA over the last ten years.
Shirley Pincham
For many years Shirley was a Member of the Inner Wheel Club of Howick. Her chosen Charity Bellyful needed more of her time so she resigned from the Inner Wheel Club 10 years ago. She is still actively involved cooking and delivering meals for Bellyful along with assisting families through her local Church.
Deanna Cao
Since arriving from China in 2013 Deanna Cao has thrown herself into community work. She is a great example of a person who embraces the opportunities that New Zealand offers, from both a business and community perspective.
Barry Wood
Concerned with the destruction of local cockle beds, Barry lobbied for a shellfish season to be introduced. This proved insufficient to allow the cockles beds to recover and ultimately a full ban on gathering cockles was introduced. This conservation measure was successful because of the pressure from Barry and other local residents.
Barry continues to monitor any illegal shellfish gathering at Cockle Bay as well as being rostered as a Fishery Officer in other areas of Auckland.
Barry is very conscious of any storm debris that washes up on Cockle Bay and utilizes his tractor and trailer to clean up the beach after a storm.
Since 2020 Barry has been instrumental in organizing a group of local volunteers to eradicate noxious weeds on two tracks that link Cockle Bay beach to Pah Road Extension. This has involved many Wednesday afternoons of hacking out bamboo and preparing the cleared area for the planting of native trees. Not only has the area been beautified but previous erosion has been stabilized and the tracks are now easy for the public to navigate. As the natives have become established there has been a dramatic increase in bird life. Barry has liaised and worked with the Local Board who have been very supportive. Damian Light officially unveiled a new sign at the start of the Windross track earlier this year.
Sarah Kavanagh
During Covid Sarah stepped up and took the initiative to set up Shop Local, Shop Howick Facebook group dedicated to helping local businesses continue to trade within the various lockdown restrictions. This proved to be a community lifeline for businesses and locals missing out on in-person contact. The group continued to thrive past covid days with over 12,000 locals being part of the Facebook group. It is now recognized as one of the key local digital platforms for local businesses to advertise on. Locals can also share their recommendations. Sarah has grown the admin team to four dedicated local volunteers that ensure the group is a positive online space for all.
With her close involvement and passion for the local community it is no surprise Sarah has recently announced that she is standing for the Local Board in the upcoming local elections.
Shirley Pincham
It’s the little things that are often the most important and sometimes parents need help with their own important ‘little things’.That is when is when people like Shirley and organizations like Bellyful step up.
Since its inception 13 years ago, the Bellyful charity nation-wide has fed thousands of families with 200,000 meal deliveries.The Bellyful East Auckland branch in its twelve years has cooked and delivered thousands of meals to local families finding their way through times when they need it the most.
Recipient referrals come from midwives, Plunket nurses, GPs, family or friends. There are five key meals: beef lasagna, beef Bolognese sauce, macaroni cheese and red lentil soup and a vegetarian curry. All simple, but nutritious and tasty.
An average monthly cook-a-thon that Shirley is involved in results in around 160 meals ready to be delivered to recipients and 25 of these meals go to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Middlemore Hospital for parents staying in with their babies.
Bellyful has a dedicated team of 30 caring volunteers.
Deanna Cao
Some of the community work that Deanna has been involved in are:
Setting up the education project “Seeds of light ”
This involved Orchestrated educational visits to prominent museums (incl. War Memorial, Aviation, and Maritime Museums) and historical towns, enhancing children's understanding of human history and cultural heritage.
Sports and Physical Education
Initiated comprehensive sports programs including sailing training with Royal Yacht Squadron, participation in international marathons, and a variety of water sports, to promote physical health and teamwork among students.
Professional Skills Development
Set up specialized training sessions in aviation piloting, sailing certifications, and safety protocols including First Aid and fire safety, equipping children with essential skills and knowledge.
Implemented STEM workshops focusing on the principles of flight, automobile engineering, and marine conservation, fostering a passion for science and innovation.
Environmental and Wildlife Conservation
Spearheaded experiential learning projects on volcanic island research, marine and sailing museum visits, and lighthouse tours, raising awareness of marine conservation.
Arts and Creativity
Curated annual city art festivals and interactive sessions with artists (sculpture, pottery), nurturing creativity and artistic expression among children.
Technology and Innovation
Developed technology-focused programs, including IT training (AI,coding) and engaging science experiments, to inspire a curiosity for technological advancements and critical thinking.
Hosted seminars on psychology and introduced students to the latest sailing technologies and factory tours, broadening their understanding of modem manufacturing and digital innovation
Musical and Cultural Celebrations
Coordinated musical events (Christmas and Mid-Autumm concerts) and cultural exchanges, enriching the community's cultural life and fostering musical talents.
Celebrated global traditions through the organization of festival events (Hot Air Balloon Festival Guy Fawkes, and Auckland Lantern Festival), promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
Scouts
Has been the leader of Farm Cove Scouts since 2021.