Certificates of Recognition 2022
Certificates of Recognition were presented to:
Kelly Binning-Rangi - Services to Education
Kelly has dedicated many years of service towards education in the Horowhenua across a variety of education providers such as Fairfield School, Levin Intermediate, Levin East School, Cambridge Street Kindergarten and within the community towards Ronald McDonald House.
Kelly has served on the Board of Trustees at Fairfield School for nine years; five and a half of these years were as Board Chair where Kelly led the school and board through a pandemic and two principal appointments. Her achievements during this period included two new classrooms, re-zoning to allow for growth in the Fairfield area, the creation of a technology area known as the maker space, the re-establishment of the school library and the introduction of play-based learning in the junior school.
Alongside serving on the Board of Trustees, Kelly dedicated eight years to the Fairfield Community Group; a group that is extremely active in raising funds for the school to provide the “cherries on top” for students. Kelly’s endless hours organising and running events is significant.
Kelly served for three years on the Board of Trustees at Levin Intermediate School and during this time Levin Intermediate had a new administration block added to the school.
She also served for five years on the Levin East School Parent Teacher Association, where many fundraising events were organised to benefit students, however Cambridge Street Kindergarten is where it all began. Kelly spent two years on the parent committee that was instrumental in raising the funds for a new outdoor playground.
During her service at various schools within the district, Kelly was also involved in fundraising for Ronald McDonald House in Wellington. One of the more significant fundraising events was a formal dinner where items were donated from the community and auctioned to raise funds.
Kelly has always shown professionalism, mana and compassion in her interactions, she is held in high regard and her contribution to education in our district can only be described as immense.
Chris Clarke - Community Affairs
Chris is being acknowledged for his considerable voluntary contribution to many organisations throughout the Horowhenua.
Chris has volunteered at Levin Riding for the Disabled for 16 years. He has been Facilities Manager on the Levin Riding for Disabled Association Management Committee and led the maintenance of the facilities at Speldhurst Country Estate.
Assisted by others, Chris has spent countless hours mowing lawns, harrowing paddocks and the riding arena, fixing fences and clearing away trees and branches when they fell.
Levin Riding for the Disabled always needs hay for ponies and along with other volunteers, Chris sources and coordinates cutting, picking up and storing of the hay.
Chris was instrumental in relocating the Riding for the Disabled from Speldhurst to the new Mako Mako Road location. He worked tirelessly on developing the new arena and base amenities for the riders. Additionally he facilitated the contribution of local trades and service people to complete the extensive project.
The Levin Adventure Park train is an absolute treasure and is enjoyed by many families every year. For the last four years, Chris has been the maintenance person for the train which has involved reconditioning and keeping the train operating, always ensuring safety standards are met as well as ensuring the track is well maintained.
Motor sport and vintage cars are a passion for Chris. He has a long association with all facets including locally as a member of the both the Horowhenua Vintage Car Club and Levin Car Club, and at national level competing in motor sport and latterly contributing as administrator, marshall and scrutineer.
When Chris and his wife Margaret moved to Levin in the mid-eighties, he joined the Levin Car Club serving on the committee and holding almost every position including the presidency. Margaret has been invaluable in assisting Chris in this work and the club has recognised them both with Life Membership.
Chris is described as personable, totally reliable, with a vast knowledge which he is only too willing to share with others.
Bill Davey - Social Affairs / Services
Bill is being recognised for his service to the Levin Interchurch Foodbank, a service utilised by so many within our community who are in need.
Bill is the Chairperson of the Levin Interchurch Foodbank and works tirelessly to ensure this much needed service meets the needs of our community. Bill networks with the local supermarkets, other local suppliers, donors and the foodbank volunteers in such a way that Bill is the ‘face’ of the foodbank in Levin.
Although Bill works in a volunteer capacity, he dedicates his time at least five days per week. His commitment and the contribution he makes is outstanding, and his role as Chairperson for the past five years is in title only, as Bill goes above and beyond working on the roster to pack parcels, collect food donations and actively support other volunteers on the food packing roster.
Bill provides leadership above what is expected. He gets involved in every aspect of the foodbank operation, and his enthusiasm and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ is inspirational. He communicates well with everyone and is always ready to help foodbank volunteers when the demand for food parcels goes beyond expectations, which as you can imagine happens frequently.
The reputation of the Levin Interchurch Foodbank is a credit to the work that Bill does, and provides vital relief to the community.