Reefton celebrates community spirit during National Volunteer Week
The Reefton community came together in full force on 19 June 2025 to celebrate the dedication, passion, and impact of its volunteers at the annual Reefton Volunteer Awards. As part of National Volunteer Week, the event was hosted by Reefton Inc and supported by principal sponsor Federation Mining. It honoured individuals and organisations across ten award categories, recognising the incredible contributions made to the life and spirit of the town.
In a show of appreciation for the diverse range of volunteering efforts across Reefton, awards were presented as follows:
- Reefton Volunteer of the Year Award (People’s Choice):
Winner: Dean Giddens – Sponsored by Federation Mining
Runner-up: Jo Newburry – Sponsored by Broadway Tearooms and Bakery - Reefton Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award (People’s Choice):
Winner: Reefton Hato Hone St John – Sponsored by Reefton Four Square
Runner-up: Reefton Seido Karate – Sponsored by The Hale Gallery - Essential Services Volunteer of the Year Awards:
Ian (Runnar) Walker – Reefton Volunteer Fire Brigade – Sponsored by Bassano Pizza Parlour
Helen Huggins – Reefton Hato Hone St John – Sponsored by Reefton Distilling Co
Jo Newburry – Reefton Land Search and Rescue – Sponsored by Dawson’s Hotel - Rookie Volunteer of the Year Award:
Shona Hastie – Reefton Land Search and Rescue – Sponsored by Reefton Trading - Youth Volunteer of the Year Award:
Brock Thomson & Jade Hargraves – Reefton JAB Rugby and Liam Reynolds – Reefton Seido Karate – Sponsored by Francis Mining - Lifetime Volunteer Services to Reefton:
Greg Topp – Sponsored by Hotel Reefton
Chair of Reefton Inc, John Bougen, said: “The celebration and acknowledgement of volunteering in Reefton reached new heights at this year’s Reefton Volunteer Awards. New and revised categories broadened the recognition – from those just starting their volunteering journey to those who’ve served for decades, like Greg Topp. No longer are those who volunteer in Reefton toiling unrecognised and without gratitude.”
Mayor Jamie Cleine added: “It was my pleasure to attend and present awards to some true community champions. It was an amazing evening of recognition. Well done Reefton Inc and local businesses for putting together such a successful event.”
With generous sponsorship from local businesses and a full house of supporters, the night was a true reflection of Reefton’s strong community spirit. Everyone went away reminded that volunteering is the backbone of Reefton, and every contribution – big or small – helps the town thrive.