Dsport secures Wellington Airport Regional Community Supreme Award

Dsport has secured the Wellington Regional Community Supreme Award for the World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament organised earlier this year.

This was the largest wheelchair-based sporting competition to be held in New Zealand for nearly two decades. The tournament was supported by over 50 local volunteers.

Dsport (previously known as Parafed Wellington) is a charity managed by a board of elected volunteers with a vision “for Wellington to be a diverse and inclusive region.”

Wellington International Airport and the five local councils come together to recognise the work carried out by community groups in the wider Wellington region. The focus of the awards is to celebrate volunteers for their valuable contribution to society.

For 20 years, the awards have recognised and honoured the dedication and achievements of community group volunteers, highlighting their invaluable contributions to society. The awards aim to inspire and encourage community spirit, fostering a culture of giving and collaboration.

Upper Hutt City Council is one of the five local councils that come together with Wellington International Airport every year to recognise the work carried out by community group volunteers in the wider Wellington region.

Upper Hutt City Council Mayor Wayne Guppy was incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work shown by our community groups and noted “Their tireless efforts have a profound impact on the well-being and vibrancy of Upper Hutt. The support and recognition from the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also encourage continued community involvement and support. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected community for everyone in Upper Hutt."

Wellington Airport Chief Executive, Matt Clarke, said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of all nominated community groups in Upper Hutt over the previous twelve months. 

“These groups do amazing and selfless work to help others in the community and thoroughly deserve recognition for this,” he said. "This year is extra special given we’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of these awards.  Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”

All the nominees for this year’s awards have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and resilience.

Their projects and initiatives have addressed various community needs, from supporting vulnerable populations to promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing cultural and recreational activities.

Here are this year’s winners and runners-up: 

Arts and Culture
Winner: Te Kāhui o Ngā Hau e Whā
Runner-up: Hutt Valley Singers

Education and Child/Youth Development
Winner: Kickstart
Runner-up: Uhub

Health and Wellbeing
Winner: Citizen’s Advice Bureau Upper Hutt
Runner-up: Upper Hutt Women’s Centre

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Wellington Severe Weather Reports
Runner-up: MenzShed Upper Hutt

Sports and Leisure
Winner: dsport for World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament
Runner-up: The Moonshine Table Tennis Club

Rising Star Award
Winner: Uhub
Runner-up: RELOAD

Supreme Award
dsport for World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament 

Image top. dsport World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament; image above: winners and runners of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Award 2024