Paul Harris was the founder of the
Rotary movement and a Paul Harris Award is the highest honour that Rotary can
bestow.
In making the presentation to Andy,
retiring President Rowland Woods said that Andy was an outstanding member of
the Karori community, a long standing City Councillor and a most worthy
recipient, fully deserving of the award as one who had served his community
with distinction over more than 25 years.
Rotary was proud of its motto, Service
above Self, and although not a Rotarian, Andy had epitomised the ideals of
Rotary and it was therefore fitting that the Club was making this Award.
Andy had been heavily involved in the
establishment of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary (Zealandia) being part of the
original steering committee, a foundation trustee and more recently a Council
appointed trustee. He is currently a
Sanctuary Guardian and has been a volunteer guide since the first guides and
bird feeders were established in 1996.
As a City Councillor, Andy has
championed many local developments, including the re-development of the Karori
Pool, Karori Park, Karori Library and Community Centre, the Recreation Centre,
Marsden Village, the building of the Samuel Parnell Road and the development of
Makara Peak mountain bike park.
While at the fore front of Karori
developments, Andy has led much of the City environmental work and transport
planning.
“Andy has dedicated his life to the
service of his community and his city and his achievements are a visible and
lasting testimony to the success of his untiring advocacy” said Rowland. He richly deserves becoming the recipient
of Rotary’s highest community award.
