Today we celebrated nine remarkable people who make the Grey District a better place to live — from rugby supporters and youth champions to heritage enthusiasts, firefighters, community volunteers, arts advocates and even a well-known wine connoisseur!
Our 2026 Civic Award recipients are the people who quietly get on with making a difference. They give their time, share their skills and pour their energy into the clubs, organisations and causes that help our communities thrive.
Friends, whānau and supporters gathered in the Council Chambers today as Mayor Tania Gibson presented Civic Awards in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Congratulations to all our recipients. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.
The 2026 recipients are:
Adam Gilshnan for an outstanding contribution to our community, particularly with West Coast Rugby.
Katrina Brown for her vast community work across many groups, from the Grey District Youth Trust working with our youth, the Left Bank Art Gallery, music and performing Arts, community events and the Greymouth Heritage Trust. Unfortunately, Katrina couldn't be here today, but her mum (Tess) came up and accepted the award on her behalf.
Murray Cochrane for his work
and volunteering in the community, the wharf cranes project with the Heritage
Trust, Mentoring for the Salvation Army Driver Program and Life Education.
Roger Ewer for being a very active volunteer in our communities over many years, particularly among the arts organisations in our district, the Barrytown Hall, and is also well known for his expertise with wines.
Sarah Hammond for her vast amount of work over many groups including the Moana Fire Brigade, Yacht Club, and Community Association.
Trish Heveldt for many years
of dedicated work with the Greymouth Community Patrol and the Care group.
Jenny Pope for her work with Cobden Kohinoor, Coast Rugby League and Cobden Netball.
Cynthia Robins for her work on the Blackball Residents Association and the Blackball community-led development projects.
Photo: Jenny Pope, Roger Ewer, Murray Cochrane, Katrina Brown's mum (Tess), Cynthia Robins, Mayor Tania Gibson, Trish Heveldt, Adam Gilshnan, Sarah Hammond.
