Eleven exceptional Kaipara citizens have been recognised for their dedication and service to the community at this week’s 2026 Citizens Awards ceremony in Dargaville.
Presented annually, the awards honour individuals whose commitment and voluntary service enrich the lives of Kaipara residents.
This year’s recipients were recognised across three categories:
- Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award;
- Long Term Extraordinary Service Award;
- Mayoral Award.
Kaipara District Council Mayor, Jonathan Larsen says the awards are an opportunity to celebrate people who give their time and energy to strengthen Kaipara communities.
“Without these individuals our communities wouldn’t be as connected or enriched. We are lucky to have them help make Kaipara a better place to be,” said Mayor Larsen.
“These are the sort of people who don’t seek recognition for what they do, they just get on and do it. This makes it even more important that we take the time to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate the difference they make.”
The 2026 award recipients are:
Clive Hebben – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award
Mr Hebben helped build the Mangawhai Lions from the ground up. As a founding member of the club, he has brought energy, commitment, and a remarkable amount of time to strengthening the club’s reach and impact across the community. Another of his notable roles includes coordinating the Mangawhai Food and Wine Festival fundraising event.
Colin Jackson – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award
Mr Jackson has been a steady and valued presence for young sailors in Mangawhai. He helped establish Learn to Sail Mangawhai sailing club, and has shared his time and practical know-how to children learning to sail. His hands-on commitment has helped create a strong foundation for the sport locally and opened the door for more young people to keep progressing.
Jemma O’Donnell – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award
Ms O’Donnell has generously lent her time to several organisations that support local children and families, including helping the Mamaranui playcentre with governance and grant applications, coaching, organising, and administration for Dargaville Swim Club, and establishing the Dargaville Athletics Club.
Lee Greer – Extraordinary Service by a Newcomer to the Kaipara District Award
Mr Greer has made a real difference for young people in Dargaville by creating opportunities for them to get involved, grow their skills, and aim higher, including through his involvement with surf lifesaving at Baylys Beach, support of Little Nippers, and through establishing the Dargaville Athletics Club.
Doug Lloyd – Long Term Extraordinary Service Award
Mr Lloyd has dedicated decades to protecting and improving the Mangawhai environment, earning deep respect for both his leadership and his knowledge. His contribution has helped shape a stronger understanding of local environmental issues and left a lasting mark on the harbour and wider community. He has provided leadership and governance for the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society, including as chairman of the executive committee for 21 years, provided community education on growth and environmental issues through Mangawhai Matters, for which he is the current chairperson, and served on the Mangawhai Domain Committee.
John Phillips – Long Term Extraordinary Service Award
Mr Phillips has been a long-serving and trusted leader whose commitment – including 28 years as a voluntary committee member and current President of Northland Field Days, has helped the event continue to thrive. Alongside his formal leadership, he is known for the practical support and encouragement he offers others, and the mentoring and support he has offered members of the community.
Stella Clyde – Long Term Extraordinary Service Award
For more than 40 years, Ms Clyde has quietly and consistently supported her community through a wide range of projects and organisations, including as trustee and volunteer at Maungaturoto Op Shop, trustee and secretary of Paparoa County Depot Trust, member and secretary of Maungaturoto and Districts Rotary Club, volunteer of Otamatea Harbour Care Association, as a long serving volunteer of North Kaipara Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and through volunteering at both Albies Den, Maungaturoto and Maungaturoto Primary School.
Wayne Price – Long Term Extraordinary Service Award
Mr Price has played a central role in building a safer and more prepared community in Mangawhai. Since 2016, his leadership, consistency, and willingness to serve have helped grow a trusted local presence that supports residents in practical and important ways. He established Mangawhai Community Patrol and fundraised to sustain patrol operations, supported first aid, CPR, and Safer Plates initiatives, and served on the Northland District committee for CPNZ.
Sue Clayton – Long Term Extraordinary Service Award
Ms Clayton is known for the generous way she applies her skills wherever they are needed, helping community groups run more smoothly and effectively. Her behind-the-scenes contributions, including as volunteer and board member of the Mangawhai Op Shop, involvement with the Harbour Restoration Society, and providing IT support for the Mangawhai Club and marketing for Mangawhai Museum movie night, has strengthened several organisations in Mangawhai and reflects both her versatility and her commitment to supporting local causes.
Ross Newlove – Mayoral Award
Mr Newlove is recognised for his outstanding service to the community over many decades, giving his time, energy and expertise to multiple causes that make Dargaville and Kaipara a better place to live. From serving multiple terms as a Kaipara district councillor and supporting organisations such as the Dargaville Museum, Northland Field Days, Scouts and the Northern Wairoa RSA, both in committee roles and as a volunteer, Ross has made an enduring contribution to our district.
Mark Farnsworth – Mayoral Award
Mr Farnsworth is recognised for a lifetime of exceptional public and community service. For over 40 years he has dedicated his time, knowledge and leadership to serving his community, from his early years on the Hobson County Council and long service on the Northland Regional Council, through to his many contributions in environmental management, governance, education, community wellbeing and more. Recognised nationally as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Mark’s service has left a lasting impact across Northland and beyond.
