Eventers take Kihikihi to top

KIHIKIHI Waikato Eventing president Robyn North and course builder and Kihikihi Domain chairman John Nicholson with the spoils of victory from this weekend’s 2005 TrustPower National Community Awards. 080061AD

By Dean Taylor

Kihikihi Waikato Eventing has been named Supreme Winner at the prestigious TrustPower National Community Awards.

The Awards were announced on Saturday night at the 2005 TrustPower National Community Awards Dinner, held at Shantytown on the West Coast.

Kihikihi Waikato Eventing’s presentation included a PowerPoint show and a speech by president Robyn North, course designer and Kihikihi Domain chairman John Nicholson and Waipa mayor Alan Livingston. In her presentation, Mrs North said eventing had unwittingly been the catalyst for the Kihikihi community to take ownership and responsibility for its domain.

‘What began about us has become about them,” she said.

Mr Nicholson said although there were always improvements to be made, Kihikihi Domain was now a superb venue for a number of sports and, more importantly, all the codes were working together to keep it that way. He said as well as regular users from eventing, polo, rodeo, speedway, cricket, rugby, tennis and Riding for Disabled, the well utilised facilities also hosted western riding, international polocrosse, dressage and world cup qualifying showjumping.

Mr Nicholson said everyone who has become involved is proud of the facility and the events it hosts. He said it was because the people of Kihikihi and the district got in behind this that Kihikihi Waikato Eventing won the award, a sentiment supported by Mr Livingston. He said it was clear it was the level of support from the community, over a long period of time, which captured the judges’ imaginations.

Mr Livingston was over the moon that a Waipa winner went on to take the national award.

As Supreme Winner, Kihikihi Waikato Eventing brought home a trophy, a framed certificate and $2,500.

TrustPower community relations manager Graeme Purches says while on the surface it may seem that Kihikihi Waikato Eventing is simply a sporting organisation, the reality is that it is an organisation that has made a significant difference to the entire community, through the creation of new and improved facilities that are available to and used by all.

“TrustPower is delighted to once again play a key role in recognising the contribution made by volunteers to New Zealand communities. All 21 groups participating in the awards had already won recognition in their regions and we are delighted to have been able to showcase their efforts nationally at this weekend’s event,” says Mr Purches.

The judges’ comments about Kihikihi Waikato Eventing included, ‘An inspiration’, ‘True community spirit’, ‘Total community approach’.

Kihikihi Waikato Eventing put together their presentation with assistance from many of the other Kihikihi Domain codes and Dave Owen of Wavelength Media. Their presentation and awards are now on display at Selectrix in Alexandra Street.