A junior club rugby stalwart, a life member of the Lions Club and a long-serving Hamilton dance tutor and choreographer will be among the recipients of the 2011 Hamilton Civic Awards this week.

The Awards will be presented on Friday morning (9 December) Council Chamber, and recognise the efforts of a range of residents who have undertaken considerable voluntary work throughout their lives.

This year's recipients were selected by a panel comprising Mayor Julie Hardaker, Deputy Mayor Gordon Chesterman and Councillors Pippa Mahood and Martin Gallagher.

In the Arts and Culture category, Jane Barnett will be honoured for her long involvement with Riverlea Theatre and Musikmakers, alongside dance tutor and Drury Lane Dance Studio co-owner Kerry Davis. Alister Williamson will also be recognised for his long service to the local theatre community.

Rawinia Peters has been closely involved with junior rugby in the region for more than 20 years, and is one of two recipients in the Sport category.

There seven recipients in the People and Wellbeing Category, including Brian Jesty (service to the community including Lions Club, Presbyterian Support and St Andrew's Church), and his late wife Jean Jesty (service to the community including Girl Guides, Presbyterian Support and St Andrew's Church). Mrs Jesty's award will be accepted by her daughter Suzanne Goodall.

Mayor Julie Hardaker says: "The people receiving the 2011 Civic Awards are great examples of what it means to be committed to our community and to the voluntary organisations serving Hamilton and Waikato so well. It is a proud day for them and they deserve the city's most important honour."

Mayor Hardaker will present the awards on Friday, 9 December, from 10am, in the Council Chamber.

ENDS

EDITOR'S NOTES

RECIPIENTS Mrs Jane Arts and More than 20 years involvement with Musikmakers Barnett Culture and Riverlea Theatre.

Ms Kerry Arts and More than 20 years involvement as a tutor, mentor Davis Culture and choreographer for dance and performing arts.

Mr Brian People and Service to the community including Lions Club, Jesty Wellbeing Presbyterian Support, St Andrew's Church.

Mrs Jean People and Service to the community including Girl Guides, Jesty Wellbeing Presbyterian Support, St Andrews church (awarded posthumously) accepted by daughter Suzanne Goodall.

Mr Merv People and Service to the community including Lions Club, Citizens Kelman Wellbeing Advice Bureau interviewer, volunteer advocacy trainer, Hamilton Seniornet, and volunteer shuttlebug driver for Waikato Hospital.

Mr Ken People and Service to the community including Citizens Advice Lewis Wellbeing Bureau interviewer, volunteer trainer in consumer law, and volunteer shuttlebug driver for Waikato Hospital.

Mr Rangi People and Service to community including cultural advisor to CCS Manihera Wellbeing Action Waikato, Life Unlimited, Enable NZ, and a Kaumatua for Rauawaawa Charitable Trust.

Mrs Sport More than 20 years involved in sports from playing, Rawinia coaching, committee membership, chairperson, fund Peters raising, and assisting in the growth of junior rugby in the Waikato.

Emeritus Education Service to the academic community including the Professor founding Professor of Politics at Waikato University, Theo Roy mentored and supported many students, and lectured on politics and religion to the wider community.

Mr Warren Environment Service to the environment including Treasurer of Tui Stace 2000, member of Waiwhakareke Advisory Group, NZ Founders Society, Lions club, Barrett Bush and Maungakawa Scenic reserve restoration.

Mr Peter Animal Care More than 25 years caring for Birds and Reptiles at

Smits Hamilton Zoo. Assisted in the care and rearing of native and endangered species.

Mrs People and Service to the community including Treasurer of Dorothy Wellbeing Whatawhata Women's Institute, St Clare's Parish, and Wilson volunteer for Presbyterian Support charity shop.

Mr Philip People and Service to ethnic communities and groups, including Yeung Wellbeing migrants and refugees, as well as international students and positive contributions to race relations in Hamilton.