Community champions

Queenstowner Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson, MC of last Saturday night’s Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards, was surprised with one of five ‘Heart of the Wakatipu Mayoral Awards’ during the event. PHOTO: STILL VISION PHOTOGRAPHY

The very best of Queenstown’s community were recognised last Saturday night, with five surprise awards dished out.

The biennial Spirit of the Wakatipu Awards Gala, hosted by the Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF) in conjunction with Gibbston Valley and Queenstown’s council, honours individuals, organisations and businesses that demonstrate exceptional commitment to making the region a better place to live, work and thrive.

Along with 14 awards, recognising achievements across various categories, Queenstown mayor Glyn Lewers presented Heart of the Wakatipu Mayoral Awards to outstanding local champions Charlie Phillips, Nanette Benington, Vanessa van Uden and the event MC, Craig ‘Ferg’ Ferguson.

Phillips has made an extraordinary impact through his work in education, community development, business leadership, disaster relief and philanthropy.

He’s CEO of Queenstown Resort College, chair of the Wakatipu High School Foundation, president of the Kelvin Peninsula Community Association and last year organised a community fundraiser to support children’s sports teams affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, in the North Island.

Benington has been the heart of the Whakatipu Buddy Programme for 17 years, providing vital support to vulnerable children and youth. She has also served as the chair of community support centre Happiness House.

Van Uden — whose citation says she’s "the epitome of a community hero" — is a former Queenstown mayor who has spent years contributing to a range of community groups, charities and initiatives. They span youth and education, neurodiversity advocacy, through the Pivotal Point Charitable Trust, family support, health, environmental care, community engagement and elder care.

McIntyre has run the Wakatipu High Branches Camp for over 20 years, fostering growth, learning and resilience among young people through the programme, dedicating an astounding amount of time and effort, while Ferguson, a long-time Queenstown councillor, has made extensive contributions to the community through local radio and philanthropy.

WCF chair Steve Brent says the awards are a testament to the "resilience, innovation and generosity" of the community.

"Each winner represents the very best of the Whakatipu and we are incredibly proud to honour them ... our theme this year was ‘dream big’, and we challenge everyone to consider their dream for our community, and what their legacy might be."