Celebrating Our Local Heroes: Papakura Community Volunteer Awards 2026

Beautification Trust
3 days ago
3 min read

Volunteers are at the heart of thriving communities, and during National Volunteer Week, we are proud to celebrate the incredible people who dedicate their time, energy and passion to protecting and enhancing our local communities.

Last week, the Papakura Local Board hosted the Papakura Community Volunteer Awards. These awards acknowledge the people who generously give their time, energy and skills to strengthen the community. From clearing pest plants and protecting our environment, to mentoring rangatahi, building community spaces and showing up for local events, these legends are doing it all.

Several volunteers connected to Pest Free South Auckland and the Beautification Trust were nominated for the Papakura Community Volunteer Awards. Their stories are a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with individuals who simply care enough to take action.

Taking on Moth Plants

Donelle Cheree has become a driving force in the fight against invasive moth plants across Papakura and Manurewa. This year alone, she contributed over 150 hours removing pest plants and collected more than 10,000 moth pods and seedlings. Through community outreach, education and hands-on action, Donelle’s dedication is helping protect local ecosystems while inspiring others to get involved.

Inspiring Others Through Conservation

Ellen Larsen generously volunteers her time supporting predator control, biodiversity monitoring and citizen science projects. Through her advocacy, education and practical conservation work, she continues to encourage others to play a role in protecting the natural environment. She has a growing social media following for her content on practicing sustainability and conservation while living with chronic health conditions.

Protecting Kirk’s Bush Every Day

Haydn Stewart’s passion for conservation has transformed predator control efforts in and around Kirk’s Bush. Through a community-led trapping network that he helps maintain almost daily, he has removed hundreds of pests from the ngahere, creating a healthier habitat for native wildlife.

Quietly Caring for Conifer Grove

For more than four years, Bryan Schroeder has quietly maintained shoreline traplines around Conifer Grove, helping protect native birds and wildlife from predators. His consistent efforts are contributing to healthier ecosystems and increasing biodiversity along the local coastline.

Building a Predator-Free Shoreline

Robyn Hunter has spent more than three years maintaining predator traplines along the Conifer Grove shoreline. Her reliability and commitment ensure continuous protection for native species while supporting wider predator-control efforts throughout the area.

Building Projects, Building Connected Communities

As a dedicated member of the Beautification Trust’s Boomer Shed, Bob Scott was recognised for his exceptional commitment to volunteering across multiple community projects. Over the past eight years, he has contributed to an average of 34 projects and around 600 volunteer hours each year. His enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to lend a hand whenever needed make him a valued member of the Boomer Shed and wider community.

Celebrating All Volunteers

While we’re especially proud of the volunteers connected to the Beautification Trust and Pest Free South Auckland who were recognised this year, we’d also like to acknowledge all recipients and nominees of the Papakura Community Volunteer Awards.

These awards celebrate the incredible range of volunteering that takes place across the local community. From environmental restoration and conservation to youth development, community support and countless other causes. Each volunteer contributes in their own unique way, helping to create a stronger, more connected community.

To all the award recipients, nominees and volunteers across the community, thank you for the difference you make every day.