On Monday 17 November, in the beautiful surrounds of Hamilton Gardens, Mayor Tim Macindoe presented the 2025 Hamilton City Council Civic Awards and the prestigious Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal to outstanding members of the community.
The Civic Awards recognise individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to the city and people of Hamilton, mostly in a voluntary capacity, across five categories: health and wellbeing, arts and culture, sport and recreation, education, and community.
Recipients were selected by the City Honours Panel, with their recommendations ratified by Council on 18 September.
Tim Macindoe said the Civic Awards are an important way for Hamilton City Council to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary efforts made by Hamiltonians, in service to the wellbeing of our communities.
“On behalf of the city and Hamilton City Council, I extend my sincere congratulations and heartfelt thanks to all award recipients. Your remarkable service and commitment in diverse areas reflect the very best of Hamilton Kirikiriroa and remind us of the strength and community spirit that make our city so special. Thank you also to those who took the time to nominate our community heroes.”
The significance of the ceremony was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guests, including Freedom of the City holders, past Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal and Civic Honours recipients, and leaders from across civic, business, and community life.
Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal Recipient
Martin Gallagher for his outstanding service to the city and its people. Read more about his service here.
2025 Civic Awards’ Recipients
Twelve individuals and three groups were honoured:
- Emeritus Professor David Lowe — Community Hero (Community)
- Jade Morris — Community Hero (Emerging Leader for Youth)
- Jenni Scarlet and Professor Ian Campbell — Community Champions (Health and Wellbeing)
- Jenni Scarlet — Community Hero (Health and Wellbeing)
- Jeevan Mathews — Community Hero (Community Service)
- Karen Taylor and Warren Lewis — Community Champions (Sport and Recreation)
- Kylee Black — Community Hero (Health and Wellbeing)
- Dr Leo Revell — Community Hero (Health and Wellbeing)
- Paretio Ruha — Community Hero (Community Service)
- Rei Mihaere — Community Hero (Arts and Culture)
- Sara Ahmad — Community Hero (Emerging Leader for Youth)
- Slay Way — Community Hero (Health and Wellbeing)
- Vanisri Mills — Community Hero (Community Service)
- Captain Dave Evans — Community Hero (Community Service)
- House of Science Central Waikato Charitable Trust — Community Champions (Education)
As the event concluded, Mayor Tim Macindoe reflected:
“I left with a deep sense of pride in our people and city; a place I’m proud to serve and call home.”
Nominate a Community Hero
Nominations for Civic Awards are open year-round. To nominate someone who has made a significant difference to Hamilton city and its people, please visit hamilton.govt.nz/city-honours or email civicawards@hcc.govt.nz.
2025 Civic Award Recipients, and HCC Elected Members.
Top row, left to right: Councillor Rachel Karalus, Catherine Cooper representing the House of Science Central Waikato Charitable Trust, Vanisri Mills, Slay Way, Councillor Graeme Mead, Sara Ahmad, Mayor Tim Macindoe, Martin Gallagher, Deputy Mayor Geoff Taylor, Councillor Emma Pike, Jeevan Mathews, Councillor Jamie Strange, Paretio Ruha, Councillor Maria Huata, Jade Morris. Bottom row, left to right: Councillor Sarah Thomson, Councillor Mesh Macdonald, Councillor Anna Casey-Cox, Dr Leo Revell, Professor Ian Campbell, Jenni Scarlet, Warren Lewis, Karen Taylor, Kylee Black, Rei Mihaere, Captain Dave Evans, Emeritus Professor David Lowe, Councillor Angela O'Leary, Councillor Sue Moroney.