Wellington hospice honoured for decades of mahi

Mary Potter Hospice has been recognised for its decades of dedicated mahi and specialist care with the Supreme Award at the recent 2024 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

Every year since 2004, Wellington Airport and five local Councils have come together for the awards to recognise outstanding mahi and celebrate hundreds of volunteers for their valuable contribution to the community. 

This year’s five categories covered contributions to Arts and Culture, Education and Child/Youth Development, Health and Wellbeing, Heritage and Environment, Sport and Leisure, and the Rising Star Award, with Mary Potter Hospice winning both the Health and Wellbeing category and overall Supreme Award. 

The hospice was established in 1979 in Newtown by the Little Company of Mary Catholic Sisters, with a commitment to make hospice services available to all patients. 

In 1988, Mary Potter Hospice was gifted to the people of Wellington as an independent non-sectarian charitable trust, the Mary Potter Hospice Foundation.  

Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau says the Capital has so many community groups that do truly impressive mahi.  

“The wide range of groups nominated for these awards really show the diversity and character of Wellington,” she said.

“From restoring nature, running arts and cultural programmes, looking after our tāmariki, caring for our citizens and so much more, it is this kind of dedication and selfless care that builds strong communities, and ultimately a thriving and connected city. 

“While we congratulate and celebrate all the evening’s award winners, when it comes to volunteers, there are no losers – everyone’s a winner in my book.”  

Wellington Airport Chief Executive, Matt Clarke says the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Wellington City over the previous 12 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.”  

The Supreme winner and the five category award winners all go on to represent Wellington in the Regional Awards on Thursday 21 November.