Community spirit shines at the 2026 Reefton Volunteer Awards
The 2026 Reefton Volunteer Awards brought the community together on 18 June for a memorable evening, with a packed venue and a fantastic atmosphere as residents gathered to celebrate the people who give so much to the town.
Now in its third year, the Reefton Volunteer Awards have become a valued part of National Volunteer Week, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the many people who generously give their time to support the community. The event was hosted by Reefton Inc, with the support of key sponsors Rua Gold and Dawson’s Hotel.
The awards provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate not only this year’s recipients, but also the countless volunteers whose time, energy and dedication help make Reefton such a vibrant and connected community.
The following individuals, groups and events were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Reefton community through volunteering in 2026:
Volunteer of the Year:
Winner: Tara Papworth – Sponsored by Rua Gold
Runner-up: Rebecca Turnbull – Sponsored by Dawson’s Hotel
Unsung Hero Award:
Winner: Zie Rosanowski – Sponsored by Endura Mining
Highly Commended: Margaret Prince & Rosco – Sponsored by The Broadway Tearooms
Recognised: Jocelyn Archer, Richard Barrington & Wayne Wright – Sponsored by Reefton Four Square
Community Impact Award:
Winner: Friends of Waiuta – Sponsored by Guthrie Bowron Reefton
Highly Commended: Reefton Trail Collective – Sponsored by Reefton Community Gym
Volunteer Project of the Year:
Reefton Trail Collective: Big River to Waiuta Track – Sponsored by Rosco Contracting
Volunteer Event of the Year:
Reefton Vehicle Display – Sponsored by Endura Mining
Essential Services Volunteer of the Year Awards:
Jeremy Watson – Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade – Sponsored by Reefton Four Square and Farm Support Trust
Sam Polglaze – Reefton Hato Hone St John – Sponsored by Bassano Pizza Parlour and Reefton Retreat
Peter Alspach – Reefton Land Search and Rescue – Sponsored by Bassano Pizza Parlour and Kohatu Pounamu and Art
Lifetime Volunteer Services to Reefton:
Ronnie Buckman – Sponsored by The Hale Gallery
Chair of Reefton Inc, John Bougen, said: “It was a humbling and at times emotional evening, celebrating the selfless dedication of Reeftons volunteers. To learn of the full extent of what the nominees undertake, without fear or favour, over many decades, is nothing short of staggering. It was a great privilege for Reefton Inc to be able to publicly recognise and applaud every one of the nominees and their supporters. Quite simply, if it weren’t for our volunteers, Reefton would cease to function.”
Simon Delander from Rua Gold added: “Volunteers are part of the core of the social fabric of a community, quietly working away in the background delivering social, environmental and emergency services expecting nothing in return. It was great Rua Gold could play our part in acknowledging and celebrating these individuals by supporting the 2026 Reefton Volunteer awards. Well done to all the winners and to every single nominee for their contribution to the community.”
The strong turnout reflected the community spirit that exists throughout Reefton, with friends, family and community members coming together to acknowledge the invaluable contribution volunteers make every day. It was a wonderful evening of celebration, appreciation and gratitude for those who help keep our community thriving.