Recently at Te Hui Taituarā in Ōtautahi Christchurch – we took the opportunity to acknowledge our members who have contributed a considerable amount of their time, energy and passion to the local government sector and to Taituarā.
During the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 37 of our members were recognized for long service in local government including two members, Tony Quirk, Marlborough District Council and Janice Smith, South Wairarapa District Council who have each given 45 years of service! Read the full list at the bottom of this page.
Alongside the long service awards the Taituarā President’s Award for Distinguished Contribution was presented to Tanya Winter for her outstanding dedication, leadership and service to Taituarā and the local government sector across Aotearoa.
What sets Tanya apart is not only the longevity of her involvement but also the consistently high quality, visibility, energy and impact of her contributions.
Tanya’s contribution spans more than a decade of leadership and involvement. She has served on the Taituarā Executive Committee, held the role of President of the Midlands Branch, contributed to the CE Forum, and played active roles in working parties and advisory groups. Her leadership has been pivotal in connecting members, strengthening professional development opportunities, and guiding Taituarā through times of change.
Tanya’s mentorship and support for other Taituarā members has been widely recognised, reinforcing the collaborative spirit and professional development goals of the Taituarā.
Suzanne Boyd, Taituarā Chief Executive said: “I’m so delighted to to see Tanya’s mahi and impact recognised in this way. Tanya shares so much of her time, energy and wisdom with all of us and she really is the most deserving recipient of this award.”
Tanya was presented with the Award at the Beca conference dinner on 4 September, as part of Te Hui Taituarā.
Tanya said: “I was honoured and touched to be recognised by Taituarā with the President’s Award. I love working in local government and I’m passionate about making our communities better through the work we do. I certainly didn’t get into local government for the accolades, but it was humbling to know my efforts have been seen and appreciated.”
Congratulations to all our long service award recipients – awarded at the AGM on 5 September 2025
45 years
Tony Quirk, Marlborough District Council
Janice Smith, South Wairarapa District Council
35 years
Victoria Villaraza, Auckland Council
Kim Taunga, Auckland CouncilPeter Thom, Hauraki District Council
Tracey Weston, Christchurch City Council
30 years
Jane Taylor, Auckland Council
Wayne Wilson, Palmerston North City Council
Carol Gordon, Rangitikei District Council
Kataraina O’Brien, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Duncan Peddie, Hauraki District Council
Simon Weston, Whangarei District Council
Dean Heiford, Tararua District Council
25 years
Gareth Green, New Plymouth District Council
Sally Sheedy, Waipā District Council
Kirsty Downey, Waipā District Council
Jenny Livschitz, Hutt City Council
Andrew Parsons, Hamilton City Council
Alicia Andrews, Hutt City Council
Katrina Brunton, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Lisa Harrison, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council
Eleanor Roberts, Tararua District Council
Stacey Young, Marlborough District Council
Jan Pedersen, Tauranga City Council
Brenda Graves, Tararua District Council
20 years
Michael Wong, Ashburton District Council
Kerryn Merriman, Wellington City Council
Tony Hale, Taupō District Council
Adie Johansen, Manawatu District Council
Doug Tate, Central Hawkes Bay District Council
Justin Walters, Whanganui District Council
Anthony Blom, Buller District Council
Liam Dagg, South Taranaki District Council
Corinne Hamlin, Thames-Coromandel District Council
Sharon Jenkinson, Clutha District Council
Ross Tucker, Auckland Council
Sam Marshall, Southland District Council
Karen Wilson, Environment Southland