Howick Community Board Citizen of the Year:
For outstanding service to the community or
a voluntary organisation within the community.
Finalists: Russell Wylie and Gerald Patterson
Winner: Russell Wylie
Russell Wylie spent his working life as a teacher and is passionate about Howick. For many years both through  

the Residents and Ratepayers Association and as a citizen, he has given many hours fighting for those things he believes are for the betterment of Howick or contribute to its ambience and village atmosphere. He articulated community concerns that agreement was needed to protect, retain and reinforce the heritage values, uniqueness and individuality of the Howick District - consequently presenting submissions that achieved many successful outcomes. His attention to detail and desire to ensure that every effort is made to present the facts and the desires of the residents of Howick are said to be amazing. His involvement with the Howick Operatic Society was recognised by the New Zealand Federation of Operatic Societies with a Merit Award in 1995. He loves Howick and all his efforts over the years have been to ensure as best he can that Howick does not lose its identity or character built up since the 1840s. He is a true citizen of Howick.

Beaurepaires Howick Business Person of the Year

Barry is the publican at the Prospect of Howick and his association with the Prospect and Howick goes back to 1978 when he worked at the Prospect for two years as Chef. Barry came back to lease the Prospect in 1993 and he's still here in 2010. Over the past 17 years he has been involved with supporting various sports groups      

such as Pakuranga Rugby, Howick Rugby League, Howick and Pakuranga Cricket, Howick Softball, Howick Squash, various netball teams, various touch teams, Howick Sea Rescue, Howick Bowls and other organisations - the list goes on - and latterly has spent the last six years as Chair of Trustees of Bucklands Beach Primary School.  Over the past 4 years, including this year, the Prospect has given to local schools participating in their Dollars for School programme $18,000 in cash, plus all the participating schools receive a restaurant voucher of $120. A great business person, he is also a great Dad to his two boys and finds plenty of time for his family.

A highly valued and original member of the Howick Village Radio statio team, Russell is part of the technical team responsible for making the stations' transmission broadcasting to the highest professional quality. He does everything asked of him to a high        

peformance level and is always obliging, courteous and friendly. And he gets the job done, like when he put together the stations' first live outside broadcast of a sports event from the Howick Hornets at Paparoa Park. Always on call to assist with any issues not only technical, but also to unlock the studio for other staff. It's all done for no pay, as a dedicated volunteer - Howick is lucky to have Russell and his commitment. Simply put - he's a good man, proactive and positive, and the Station says they could not do what they do without him.

Michelle has been working at Paper Plus in Picton Street for seven years. They say that in 35 years of business they have never had a more deserving or hard working, diligent staff member. It wouldn't be often that a boss gets concerned or complains that an employee is working too hard. She will often work late  

or arrive very early to set up a promotion, reset a stand or receipt on stock. She has even taken ordering away on holiday! In charge of stationery, gift and card categories she gets through an exceptional amount of work - often meeting and exceeding sales targets, stock turn and gross margin targets as well. She goes out of her way to ensure customers are happy and has also been utilisied by the Paper Plus New Zealand franchise holder for training new franchisees - showing new store owners the ins and outs of the computer systems and store systems and procedures.

The Rice Family Partnership Local Hero of the Year

Graham's contribution to art in our community is second to none and is the driving force behind several art groups within the Howick region. His willingness to assist and encourage budding young artists and others wishing to take up art as a hobby is simply outstanding. Admirers are greatly impressed with the          

amount of time he cheerfully contributes on a voluntary basis so others can enjoy the hobby he loves so passionately...and further, the fact he still has time to produce his own stunning works. Graham also spends a lot time behind the scenes with the Howick and Ben Lomond Art Groups and is on the organising committee for the BBYC Art Exhibition and several others, always making sure things run smoothly. He also finds time during the week to teach and encourage individuals!

The Friends have been instrumental in the creation and rehabilitation of an area of bush and water that is giving the community an area to enjoy for many years to come. Their expertise, dedication and passion saw them                 

volunteer 657 hours last year alone, doing jobs such as seed collection, plant propagation, watering, planting, as well as liaising with the community, newsletter production and website maintenance. They have worked with the help of the wider community and Manukau City Council to re-forest the land with the original flora and subsequent fauna and at the same time retain public access. Result is the reserve has improved environmentally beyond recognition. The walkway provides very pleasant exercise and the recent addition of land to the area is going to make the reserve a significant and magnificent asset to the community. It is truly the jewel in Howick's crown and enjoyed daily by many users.

Rose is the manager of the Salvation Army Store in Rices Mall in Howick, with some 30 to 40 volunteers helping out with the daily routine of running the store. We all know of the immense benefit to the community of the work they do here and further afield. All goods donated are sorted, either to be sold or given away to those in need. Everything that is received is recycled and, of course, all proceeds go back to the needy in the community. Rose manages this great team of volunteers with untiring energy and selflessness. She is at the shop five days a week and then is involved with community work over the weekend. She embodies the very spirit of the Salvation Army - 'we're here to help'.
As has been said by many people in the past - 'Thank God for the Sallies'