Otaki TodayMāoriland Charitable Trust is the supreme winner in the Kāpiti section of the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Libby Hakaraia holds the Supreme award won by Māoriland Charitable Trust. Photo Jack Penman
The trust that runs the internationally famous Māoriland Film Festival won the arts and culture category before taking the top award.
The popular Ōtaki Kids Market won the education and child/youth development category.
Ōtaki individuals and benefactors were also prominent as the awards were handed out on Thursday, August 7 at Te Raukura ki Kāpiti. The event honoured local heroes with the 2025 Kāpiti Good Sorts and Mayoral Awards, and the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Kāpiti recognised outstanding community groups.
Ōtaki’s John Barrett won the Mayoral Award for 2025 in recognition of his decades-long efforts to protect and promote Kāpiti Island and his global leadership in indigenous, community and nature-based tourism.
A Taonga Maumahara Award was presented posthumously to the whānau of Carl Lutz, who farmed for decades by the upper reaches of Ōtaki River. He was instrumental in work to manage the river, and had many other philanthropic interests.
“Carl Lutz was a tireless volunteer and conservationist and has left a lasting impact through his environmental leadership and advocacy for sustainable farming practices,” Mayor Janet Holborow said.
Karl Farrell of Paekākāriki received the same award.
“Karl Farrell was the proud kaumātua of the Paekākāriki village and brought his mana and wairua to countless
community projects and events. Both Karl and Carl deeply enriched our lives. It is an honour to acknowledge their enduring legacies,” Janet said.
The mayoral Rangatahi Award went to Santino Morehu-Smith, a powerful young voice for climate action and youth
engagement.
John Barrett, with whānau, receives his 2025 Mayoral Award, at left are Mayor Janet Holborow and Deputy Mayor Lawrence Kirby. Photo Jack Penman
Santino’s leadership through the Kāpiti Enviro Youth Summit and Kāpiti Strike for Climate continues to inspire the next generation.
Ōtaki fire service heroes Ian King and Brent Bythell were among this year’s Kāpiti Good Sorts recipients, along with firefighters Sarah Sundgren of Waikanae and Ash Richardson of Paekākāriki. Other recipients were Lyn Parkin-Williams, Wayne Pidduck, Malcolm Bird and Darrell Smith.
They were all recognised for their outstanding contributions – from long-standing service and leadership to hands-on community support.
Janet said the awards shone a light on those who led with generosity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to others.
“They are the heart of our community and it’s an incredibly humbling to hear their stories and present these awards.”
Commenting on the grassroots excellence recognised by the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the awards were a valuable way to acknowledge the impact of volunteer efforts.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community,” he said.
Finalists from the regional community awards go on to represent Kāpiti at the Wellington-wide finals later this year.
The August 7 event was hosted by the Kāpiti Coast District Council in partnership with Wellington Airport.
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