Four Community Stewards, One Honourable Evening
Manawatū District Council (MDC) celebrated four outstanding community stewards at the 2026 Community Honours Awards on Wednesday 4 November, recognising John Culling, Chloe Dodunski, John Silvester and Tracey Mouat for their dedication and contributions to the Manawatū District.
Now in its 36th year, MDC's annual Community Honours Awards recognises individuals who go above and beyond for their communities, often working quietly behind the scenes without seeking recognition. From supporting volunteer groups to dedicating countless hours to community initiatives, in a variety of ways, these unsung heroes play an important role in keeping our district's communities connected and thriving.
Each year, individuals and organisations are invited to nominate deserving community members for a Community Honours Award. Nominations are then reviewed and voted on by Elected Members, who collectively decide on the year's recipients. This year's four recipients received the news through a personal phone call from Mayor Michael Ford, with the announcement coming as quite the surprise to many.
At the awards evening, more than 100 guests gathered in Council Chambers, including recipients' friends, whānau, loved ones and colleagues, creating an atmosphere filled with pride and appreciation.
The ceremony opened with a performance of Haere Mai by Te Roopu Waiata, MDC's staff waiata group, followed by a warm welcome and introduction from Mayor Michael Ford. Each recipient was celebrated through heartfelt speeches from their nominators, followed by a citation read by an Elected Member, highlighting their contributions and the positive impact they've made on their communities.
It was a sentimental and memorable evening, as recipients took their well-deserved moment in the spotlight, surrounded by those who have witnessed and supported their contributions over the years. The recipients’ names are now proudly displayed on the Community Honours Board outside Council Chambers, to be recognised and appreciated by passersby for years to come.
Congratulations to our 2026 Community Honours Awards recipients, John Culling, Chloe Dodunski, John Silvester and Tracey Mouat. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, for our communities.
Read the full recipients' citations here: Community Honours Recipients | Manawatū District Council
Photo description: John Silvester (top left), Chloe Dodunski (top right), John Culling (bottom left), Tracey Mouat (bottom right).