Volunteer Marlborough applauds altruists

Cindy Morrison and Jack Powell had not met before last Thursday. Given the size of Marlborough and all that each does, perhaps that is not so surprising. Now, though, they share a connection from that evening onward.

To cheers and applause that echoed through Whitehaven Theatre, the Marlborough Community & Volunteer of the Year Awards recognised these two altruistic achievers with the ceremony’s top honour.

The double spotlight provided an apropos coda given the organiser, Volunteer Marlborough, considered over 100 nominees across 20 categories and special citations.

“Very surprised; very grateful,” Cindy reacted after honourees posed on stage for a commemorative photo. Standing with Jack, she noted that public attention “is not really my thing, but there’s a lot of worthy people out there, and everybody plays their part to make it all work together.”

Cindy, who also won Special Dedication and Local Legend awards, volunteers for Hospice Marlborough, Alzheimers Marlborough, Marlborough Four Paws and the Cancer Society.

Jack, the Outstanding Youth Volunteer and Personal Achievement - Growth Award recipient, serves as a volunteer firefighter as well as a student leader at Marlborough Boys’ College.

“I’m glad that young men like Jack are also coming through the system,” Cindy noted – and, with a look his way, added: “Very impressive.”

Jack shared her appreciation for the awards and for the organisation behind the annual salute. “I’m grateful that I got recognised,” he said, “but I know lots of people who don’t get recognised, so it’s an amazing opportunity.”

Stephen Leitch, a trustee at Selmes Garden Trust and The Blue Door, was runner-up for Volunteer of the Year. Aimee Materoa from Kaha Academy received two individual awards along with a win for her group. Double honourees included Brendon Ferguson from Rarangi Surf Life Saving Club – fittingly, out volunteering when his name got called – and the Picton Football Club Committee.

Volunteer Marlborough general manager Meg Martin reflected, “When you look properly at volunteering, it is everywhere. And Marlborough is stronger because of it.”

Emotional moments

The intergenerational nature of the night manifested immediately via Ngā Taiohi o Wairau Kapa Haka. The performers from Marlborough’s colleges evoked emotions to start both awards sessions bookended intermission – and, rising from their seats, when they and then their whaea, Louisa King, drew honours.

The kapa also rose to amplify a haka by whānau of Tere Taukamo, the 2025 Personal Achievement Growth Award winner who passed in December. Her life partner, Jane Stammers, and stepdaughter, Sophie Stammers, joined Mayor Nadine Taylor to present the inaugural Tere Taukamo “Light the Way” Award.

Sarah Carberry of Fare-well Trust accepted the prestigious prize along with hugs.
Among the most pleasantly surprised recipients were Marlborough Multicultural Centre members. Several volunteer with Marlborough Former Refugee Voice, a nominee (ultimately, winner) in the category Marvellous Migrants. However, MMC had no advance notice of a special commendation for Breadth of Community Reach.

“Wow!” effused Matilde Figuracion, MMC’s new centre manager and previous chair, surrounded by board members. “This is really a testament to all the work the Marlborough Multicultural Centre has done the last 20 years. So we just continue doing what we do.

“It’s beautiful.”