From top left: Bangla Dance Group Christchurch, Leo Black, Candace Davy, and Michaela Posthuma, Dr. Seema Gautam and Halswell Pottery Group members.

Community Service and Youth Service Awards are given in recognition of significant voluntary service. They are a way of thanking and honouring volunteers who demonstrate dedication and passion, inspiring others to make service a central part of their lives.

The Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board have presented nine Community Service Awards and three youth Service Awards over the last few months at various events and community gatherings.

Youth Service Award 2025 Recipients

Leo Black

For seven years, Leo Black has been a passionate and dedicated volunteer with Community Development Network Trust Kids Camps and Riccarton Community Church, leading and mentoring youth through a wide range of programmes and events. His commitment to empowering young people, coupled with his eagerness to learn and share new skills, has inspired confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community in those he serves.

Candace Davy

Candace Davy has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours each year to Community Development Network Trust Kids Camps, Teen Adventure Camps, and youth programmes at Riccarton Community Church, enriching the lives of countless young people through her leadership, compassion, and consistent service. Her lasting impact and commitment to youth empowerment embody the spirit of community and service celebrated by this award.

Michaela Posthuma

Michaela Posthuma has spent the past decade uplifting young people through her dedicated service with Community Development Network Trust Kids Camps and youth programmes, serving as a leader, programme director and mentor. Her compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment have empowered hundreds of young people to grow in confidence, build lasting connections, and thrive - leaving a legacy of care and inspiration in the community.

Community Service Award 2025 Recipients

Dr. Seema Gautam

For over a decade, Dr. Seema Gautam has been a pillar of compassion and service in Christchurch, leading yoga, meditation, and self-development programmes through the Art of Living movement. Her inclusive approach and tireless outreach have empowered individuals across generations to cultivate emotional resilience, inner peace, and personal growth - leaving a lasting impact on both individuals and the wider community.

Jude Howie

Jude Howie has spent over two decades uplifting the Hornby community through her compassionate leadership, service, and commitment to youth, whānau, and Māori wellbeing. From her role as Whānau Support Worker at Hornby High School to her involvement in sports, volunteer networks, and Te Korowai ō Grannies, Jude’s legacy is one of transformative care, inspiring generations to lead with aroha and purpose. Her work continues to ripple outward, nurturing resilience, pride, and unity across Hornby and beyond.

Lesley Markham

Since 2018, Lesley Markham has been a dedicated volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau Hornby Branch, offering expert guidance to clients and playing a key role in training and mentoring interviewers and support workers. Her leadership, research skills, and commitment to inclusive service have made a lasting impact across diverse communities and generations, embodying the spirit of community service.

Brodie Murray

For seven years Brodie Murray has been a passionate Tag Spotter with the Christchurch City Council Graffiti Programme, playing a vital role in keeping the city clean and welcoming through vigilant reporting and community care. His tireless service was also recognised with a Volunteering Canterbury Award, reflecting a deep commitment to fostering pride, safety, and belonging across Christchurch.

Jo Sanson

Jo Sanson has been a steadfast volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau Hornby Branch since 2019, providing guidance to clients and strengthening the team through her mentorship and training leadership. Jo is a valued colleague, and her contributions across clinics, remote outreach, and development initiatives showcase a commitment to uplifting and empowering those around her.

Sharon and Elizabeth Richards

Since 2012, Sharon and Elizabeth Richards have been the heart of the Riccarton Community Fun Day’s beloved cupcake decorating tradition. As a mother and daughter team, they have lovingly baked and prepared hundreds of cupcakes each year, thoughtfully crafting unique decorations so that every child can experience the joy of creativity and sweetness. The memories they help to create are treasured by families who return year after year, with cupcake decorating always a highlight.

Lynette Whitt

For nearly two decades, Lynette has been a vital thread in the fabric of the Hornby Rugby Football Club, generously serving in roles from cook to committee member and bringing warmth, camaraderie, and legendary hospitality to every event. Her compassionate work with Victim Support further reflects her deep commitment to community care, making her a true example of service with heart and humility.

Bangla Dance Group Christchurch

Since 2018, Bangla Dance Group Christchurch has been a vibrant, volunteer-led force promoting Bengali culture and community connection through free weekly dance classes and public performances. Their dedication to cultural expression, inclusion, and intergenerational support has enriched Christchurch, inspiring unity, resilience, and pride across communities.

Halswell Pottery Group Incorporated

For over fifty years, Halswell Pottery Group Incorporated has been a creative cornerstone in Ōtautahi Christchurch, offering inclusive classes, workshops, and exhibitions that foster artistic expression and community connection. More than just a studio, it’s a welcoming space where craftsmanship and friendship flourish - making pottery a powerful pathway to belonging and shared purpose.