Kāpiti Coast champions celebrated at 2025 community awards

Heartfelt community spirit and dedication were on full display last night as the Kāpiti Coast came together to honour its local heroes at the 2025 Kāpiti Good Sorts and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Kāpiti.

Hosted by the Kāpiti Coast District Council in partnership with Wellington Airport, the celebration took place at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti and recognised individuals and groups whose generosity, service, and leadership continue to shape our vibrant district.

This year’s Kāpiti Good Sorts recipients were Lyn Parkin-Williams, Wayne Pidduck, Malcolm Bird, Darrell Smith, and fire service heroes Ian King, Brent Bythell, Sarah Sundgen, and Ash Richardson. All are recognised for their outstanding personal contributions – from long-standing service and leadership to hands-on community support.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow said these awards shine a light on those who lead with generosity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others.

“They are the heart of our community and it’s an incredibly humbling to hear their stories and present these awards.”

Four individuals received Mayoral Awards this year, highlighting both intergenerational leadership and the legacy of service.

Two Taonga Maumahara Awards were presented posthumously to the whānau or Karl Farrell and Carl Lutz.

“Karl Farrell was the proud Kaumatua of the Paekākāriki village and brought his mana and wairua to countless community projects and events.

“Carl Lutz was a tireless volunteer and conservationist and has left a lasting impact through his environmental leadership and advocacy for sustainable farming practices.

“Both Karl and Carl deeply enriched our lives,” said Mayor Holborow. “It is an honour to acknowledge their enduring legacies.”

The Rangatahi Award went to Santino Morehu-Smith, a powerful young voice for climate action and youth engagement. His leadership through the Kāpiti Enviro Youth Summit and Kāpiti Strike for Climate continues to inspire the next generation.

The Mayoral Award for 2025 was presented to John Barrett in recognition of his decades-long efforts to protect and promote Kāpiti Island and his global leadership in indigenous, community and nature-based tourism.

“This year’s Mayoral Award recipients are truly deserving of this recognition. Their collective impact is inspiring, and it is a joy to pay tribute to these remarkable residents and to all our local heroes through these awards,” Mayor Holborow said.  

Grassroots excellence was also honoured through the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards - Kāpiti, celebrating leadership in arts and culture, health and wellbeing, education, heritage and environment, and sport and leisure.

Māoriland Charitable Trust was named the 2025 Supreme Award winner.

Wellington Airport Chief Executive Matt Clarke said the awards are a valuable way to acknowledge the powerful impact of grassroots volunteer efforts.

“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community,” he said.

“Congratulations to all finalists and winners – and best of luck at the regional finals later this year.”

Finalists from the Regional Community Awards will go on to represent Kāpiti at the Wellington-wide finals later this year.

The 2025 Kapiti Good Sorts, Mayoral Award, and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards recipients.

 Kāpiti Good Sorts Awards:

• Lyn Parkin-Williams
• Wayne Pidduck
• Malcolm Bird
• Darrell Smith
• Ian King – Fire Services
• Brent Bythell- Fire Services
• Sarah Sundgen – Fire services
• Ash Richardson – Fire Services