2012 Kiwibank Local Heroes Medal Recipients for
Hutt Valley
Also see Wellington for photographs of the Medal Presentation for the Hutt Valley recipients
Sharleen Natham of Upper Hutt
Sharleen has given the past 12 years to helping others through her work for Victims Support. She has acted as a constant support for victims in a variety of situations, maintaining upmost confidentiality and commitment. Her empathy and non-judgemental approach have been invaluable, making her a much loved and well respected member of the crisis team. Sharleen always gives her time freely with no need for gratification or recognition. She also works full time at the Dawn Trust, a community based service providing residential care and support to adults with an intellectual disability. In her role, Sharleen shows leadership and commitment and is well respected for her contribution.
Sister Felix Breen of Upper Hutt
Sister Felix has dedicated her life to others during her 75 years as a Nun. She has worked primarily in the Wellington Soup Kitchen, preparing breakfast and dinner meals while visiting sick, elderly, lonely and infirm people between times. She would only have two breaks of one week each during the year. In one incident she was punched and knocked down by a drug addicted man when she was 82, but was back the next day carrying on with her duties. Sister Felix is now in the Home of Compassion in Silverstream, where she sews, repairs, knits and helps other residents. She has befriended, counselled and helped thousands of people, from all walks of life in New Zealand. Her compassion, love and forgiveness, has turned many lives around.
Jonny Wilson of Lower hutt
At just 27 years old, Jonny has built NZ’s largest music school in just 2.5 years – the Goodtime Music Academy. He started his business with just 30 drum students and has grown this to now have 35 staff and 700 students taking lessons for a variety of instruments. He has set up a number of amazing projects within the academy – two mobile teaching units which travel to schools to teach children, music shows, a Saturday programme where senior students give underprivileged children lessons for only $2.50, writing music resources and running a variety of events including classes with international artists, talent quests and student trips. Jonny’s vision is to provide affordable music tuition to everyone; he has systems in place so that every child can have the option of lessons no matter what their socio economic position may be. He has created 22 new jobs and with the addition of a second location will create another 12-15 this coming year. Thanks to Jonny hundreds of children are learning positive life skills and are increasing confidence through music.