Tamahere Volunteers Honoured with Mayoral Awards for Environmental Leadership

Two of Tamahere's most dedicated environmental champions have been recognised in the 2026 Waikato District Mayoral Awards, highlighting the extraordinary impact local volunteers continue to have on the community and its natural environment.

Hosted annually by Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech, the awards celebrate individuals, groups and organisations whose commitment and service strengthen communities across the district. This year's awards recognised 19 recipients spanning community service, youth, sport, recreation, environmental action and support for older people.

"Our communities are built by people who choose to give their time, energy and skills to help others. They don't do it for recognition, but it is important that we take the time to thank them and celebrate everything they do," Mayor Bech said.

He added that strong communities are built by people who step forward when something needs doing – a sentiment that perfectly reflects the contribution of Tamahere's award recipients.

Russell Gibbs – Fourteen Years of Quiet Dedication

Russell Gibbs received a Mayoral Award in the Environment category for more than a decade of voluntary leadership behind one of Tamahere's most significant ecological restoration projects.

Fourteen years ago, Russell became involved in a community initiative to restore the Mangaone gullies within the Tamahere Reserve. What began as a vision to clear invasive weeds, plant native trees and create public walkways has grown into an environmental asset enjoyed by the wider community.

Today the project includes approximately 3.8 kilometres of walking tracks, more than 24,500 native plantings, and extensive removal of invasive pest species.

To support the expanding work, the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust (TMRT) was established. Since its formation, Russell has served as the Trust's voluntary secretary and treasurer, taking responsibility for the financial management, funding applications, reporting requirements and long-term planning that underpin the restoration programme.

His work includes preparing funding applications, managing Council reporting requirements, overseeing the Trust's five-year work programme and annual operational plans, while ensuring every dollar is carefully accounted for.

Although much of this work happens behind the scenes, it has been instrumental in creating one of Tamahere's most valuable environmental and recreational assets.

Predator Free Tamahere – Community Conservation in Action

Also recognised with a 2026 Mayoral Award was Predator Free Tamahere, whose grassroots conservation efforts are delivering measurable gains for native wildlife across the district.

Established in 2022, the volunteer-led initiative has brought together residents, schools, landowners and community organisations with a shared goal of restoring biodiversity and protecting Tamahere's distinctive gully ecosystems.

Led by a committee of six volunteers (left to right in group image - Rachel Frengley,

William McGrory, Robyn Richardson, Rod Berry ( Chair), Jane Morgan, Alison Ewing) the group has built an extensive trapping network while encouraging backyard trapping and providing education that enables more households to participate in conservation.

The results speak for themselves:

• 13,463 pest animals removed

• 572 traps currently operating across the Tamahere network

• Growing evidence of increased native birdlife and healthier habitats throughout the area.

The initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when local communities take ownership of local environmental challenges.

The Predator Free Tamahere website is HERE.

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