Jim Mora
"Two years ago I was approached by TrustPower to be a judge of their National Community Awards - they thought my work on Mucking In was a perfect fit with their Volunteer projects. And it was, I have never failed to be amazed by the things people do voluntarily for their communities, but to witness the presentations of amazing projects throughout our country all at once was another experience again... At the time I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to share these amazing stories of real Kiwis..."
In 'The Sound Of Music', Maria (Julie Andrews) says "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good!"
I am, similarly, gratefully scratching my head about how I got involved in meeting the volunteers of Aotearoa.
Many of us volunteer in our communities. We're on the PTA or Board of Trustees, we help with the fundraising for clubs and societies, coach sports, and so on. There are hundreds of thousands of fine New Zealanders who do this.
I thought I had a good idea of what volunteer work is all about.
But then Graeme Purches and Pip Tschudin at TrustPower kindly asked me to be a judge at their National Community Awards. They sent me the information about all the groups which had won the regional finals, people who would come together in Palmerston North (that year) for the big finals night.
I couldn't believe what I was reading.
I remember being staggered by some of the projects, by their scope, their ambition, their daring... and by their inventiveness!
I was taken out of the territory of sausage sizzles and quiz nights into a whole new realm! These were groups of people getting together to transform their communities. Their ideas were huge, dynamic and fun!
When I got to meet them, when we spent time together at what was a wonderful weekend, I came away humbled and inspired. It only takes a few good people, with determination and passion, to move mountains.
Graeme and his team know how to run an event brilliantly. They bring representatives of all these groups together, from all over New Zealand. The mayors come too (always happy to make speeches at the drop of a hat). TrustPower chooses lovely venues, gives everyone a fantastic time to say thank you, and together we all vote for the volunteer projects that especially excel each year in New Zealand.
It became obvious to us that these projects, these people, this amazing gathering of great ideas, needs to be celebrated on screen.
TVNZ and TrustPower have formed a partnership to make that happen.
