Meet New Plymouth District’s 2025 local legends

A passionate advocate for the arts and elderly, veteran radio hosts, a devoted musician, a dedicated church leader, a passionate environmentalist and numerous community stalwarts and volunteers are among the local legends recognised with an NPDC Youth and Citizens’ Award.

One youth award recipient and 11 citizens’ award winners were announced at an event hosted by New Plymouth District Mayor Neil Holdom last night, recognising their hard work and contributions they make to the district.

Established in 1979, the annual awards honour residents who go the extra mile and make a big positive change to the lives of people in the district.

Nominated by the public, recipients are selected by the Mayor and Councillors.

“These award winners make a tremendous difference in our community. They’ve given up countless hours to help others and they improve the lives of so many people,” says Mayor Holdom.

He acknowledged the “long hours of community service” of the recipients.

“The winners are role models and show what can be achieved when people work for the benefit of others. Our district is truly a special place to live, learn, work and play because of their hard work.”

Caption from left standing: Second Lieutenant Steve Bovett, Helen Parr, Chris Herlihy, Lance Girling-Butcher, Mayor Neil Holdom, Rob Green, Kenneth Swan, Anna Richardson and Squadron Leader Steve Muir. Front; Barbara Hammonds, Tina Koch, Aideon Henderson Pearce, Gay Laurence, Kevin Laurence. Absent; Mark Louis.

The 2025 Citizens’ and Youth Award recipients are:

YOUTH AWARD

Aideon Henderson Pearce

Aideon has been part of Zeal Taranaki for more than three years and part of the Kaitiaki Community Care team since the start of 2025. The Kaitiaki Community Care initiative involves providing free garden services, which sees Aideon joining other rangatahi to help people in the community.

CITIZENS’ AWARDS

Lance Girling-Butcher, QSM

Forced to retire as a journalist when he lost his sight in 2006, Lance didn’t stay idle, with a stint as an NPDC Councillor and becoming a remarkable leader and advocate for Positive Ageing, establishing New Plymouth as the second Age Friendly City in New Zealand. He was New Zealand’s first ever Ambassador for Older Adults and has advocated for better facilities for the elderly and people with disabilities. In 2016 he received the QSM (Queen’s Service Medal) for his services to the blind and seniors.

Rob Green

Rob is a passionate musical artist, who in his spare time shares his love of music with his community. He plays the piano for rest home residents and encourages young people to play music. Rob has helped fundraise a considerable amount of money for Taranaki Hospice and his enthusiasm for Taranaki history is evident in his work over the years for Heritage Taranaki. He has also shown great service through his synod work with the Taranaki Cathedral and is also in the choir.

Barbara Hammonds

Barbara has given an enormous amount of time, dedication and expertise to many environmental causes over decades. She has volunteered countless hours for organisations such as Ngā Motu Marine Reserve Society, Taranaki Seedsavers, the Taranaki Botanical Society and many others. She was the driving force behind establishing community composting education in Taranaki and continues that work.

Chris Herlihy

Chris has been a strong champion for the LGBTQI community, working behind the scenes to help establish Pride Taranaki. He has been a committee member of the Friends of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery since 2000, serving as chair from 2006-2009. Chris has been instrumental in organising exhibitions, openings, events and concerts at the gallery for more than two decades.

Tina Koch

Tina has run the Seaside Market for many years. She encourages people to expand their small businesses and gives them a place to market and sell their goods. She’s worked alongside Sustainable Taranaki to encourage recycling. She has been a big supporter of the Young Enterprise Scheme, sponsoring Year 12 and 13 students wanting to set up stalls at the markets.

Gay and Kevin Laurence

Gay and Kevin are exemplary individuals who have served countless hours at the Ingelwood Heritage Centre. Over the past nine years, they have curated, researched and presented more than 20 exhibitions. Gay has interviewed many locals, gathered historical photos and documented stories of businesses that no longer exist, while Kevin has skilfully crafted displays and brought exhibitions to life.

Mark Louis

Mark has been a stalwart of the hospitality industry in Taranaki for more than 30 years andan extraordinary influence in New Plymouth hospitality.  He has also being actively involved in various charitable organisations including Red Cross and Trade Aid. For the past 15 years, Mark has volunteered at the Breakfast at School programme at Marfell School.

Helen Parr

Helen has been contributing to the community for many years and has been involved in cadets, coastguard and Girl Guides. She has very strong family and friendship values. Helen is one of those people who blossoms as she helps others. As a respected church leader, she puts together creative activities to support youth. Helen has contributed to the community for more than 30 years.

Anna Richardson

Anna contributes a tonne of time to support local charities and businesses. A radio host for more than 15 years, she used her platform to shine a light on important local issues and charities, and shared incredible stories of people making a difference in the community. She often interviewed volunteers and event organisers and gave people a voice to inspire the region – while also helping out behind the scenes.

Kenneth Swan

Ken is an iconic voice on Taranaki’s airwaves and has been unwavering in his support for the community. As a radio host for More FM, he has been a great voice of reason who continues to inform the district about major events, weather warnings, changes in local services and important local news. Ken is a volunteer for Taranaki Emergency Management and been involved with many charities including Women’s Refuge, New Plymouth Foodbank and many more.