Jacquie Ashton Leads The Charge For A Pest-Free Ōmokoroa
At the recent Volunteer Star Awards, Jacquie was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to environmental work and community building. Since stepping into a leadership role, she's grown the group to nearly 100 volunteers, led successful funding bids, and helped secure a permanent base at the former Sea Scouts Hall — thanks to a collaboration with Pirirākau hapū.
'It felt pretty fantastic,' she said after receiving the award. 'Leonie just told me I was invited to a morning tea — I had no idea! It was a beautiful thing to be recognised.'
'She's transformed the visibility, activity, and effectiveness of Pest Free Ōmokoroa — I can't think of anyone more deserving,' says Leonie Johnsen, who put Jacquie forward for the award.
One of Jacquie's standout strengths is her commitment to inclusion. Through respectful and consistent relationship-building, she has fostered meaningful engagement with Pirirākau hapū and mana whenua.
Still, she's quick to share the spotlight. 'Without our volunteers, we just couldn't function. They step up with baiting, trapping, planting — even bird monitoring. We've got a great team.'
For Jacquie, the benefits of volunteering are clear — and go far beyond the task at hand. 'You mix with others, get outside in the fresh air, and build real friendships. After years of working, it feels really good to give back'.
The community is stronger, greener, and more connected because of Jacquie's mahi — a recognition that is a well-deserved nod to the quiet force shaping Ōmokoroa's future.
Volunteering Services offers support, connection, and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your kaupapa, we're here to help.
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4 days ago
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Jacquie Ashton Leads The Charge For A Pest-Free Ōmokoroa
Press Release – Volunteering Services One of Jacquies standout strengths is her commitment to inclusion. Through respectful and consistent relationship-building, she has fostered meaningful engagement with Pirirkau hap and mana whenua. When Jacquie Ashton moved to Ōmokoroa from Wellington just over two years ago, she didn't expect to become the driving force behind one of the town's most active volunteer groups. But her passion for the environment — and her knack for rallying others — quickly made her the heart of Pest Free Ōmokoroa. At the recent Volunteer Star Awards, Jacquie was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to environmental work and community building. Since stepping into a leadership role, she's grown the group to nearly 100 volunteers, led successful funding bids, and helped secure a permanent base at the former Sea Scouts Hall — thanks to a collaboration with Pirirākau hapū. 'It felt pretty fantastic,' she said after receiving the award. 'Leonie just told me I was invited to a morning tea — I had no idea! It was a beautiful thing to be recognised.' 'She's transformed the visibility, activity, and effectiveness of Pest Free Ōmokoroa — I can't think of anyone more deserving,' says Leonie Johnsen, who put Jacquie forward for the award. One of Jacquie's standout strengths is her commitment to inclusion. Through respectful and consistent relationship-building, she has fostered meaningful engagement with Pirirākau hapū and mana whenua. Still, she's quick to share the spotlight. 'Without our volunteers, we just couldn't function. They step up with baiting, trapping, planting — even bird monitoring. We've got a great team.' For Jacquie, the benefits of volunteering are clear — and go far beyond the task at hand. 'You mix with others, get outside in the fresh air, and build real friendships. After years of working, it feels really good to give back'. The community is stronger, greener, and more connected because of Jacquie's mahi — a recognition that is a well-deserved nod to the quiet force shaping Ōmokoroa's future. Volunteering Services offers support, connection, and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your kaupapa, we're here to help. To learn more, visit
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Jacquie Ashton Leads The Charge For A Pest-Free Ōmokoroa
When Jacquie Ashton moved to Ōmokoroa from Wellington just over two years ago, she didn't expect to become the driving force behind one of the town's most active volunteer groups. But her passion for the environment — and her knack for rallying others — quickly made her the heart of Pest Free Ōmokoroa. At the recent Volunteer Star Awards, Jacquie was celebrated for her outstanding contribution to environmental work and community building. Since stepping into a leadership role, she's grown the group to nearly 100 volunteers, led successful funding bids, and helped secure a permanent base at the former Sea Scouts Hall — thanks to a collaboration with Pirirākau hapū. 'It felt pretty fantastic,' she said after receiving the award. 'Leonie just told me I was invited to a morning tea — I had no idea! It was a beautiful thing to be recognised.' 'She's transformed the visibility, activity, and effectiveness of Pest Free Ōmokoroa — I can't think of anyone more deserving,' says Leonie Johnsen, who put Jacquie forward for the award. One of Jacquie's standout strengths is her commitment to inclusion. Through respectful and consistent relationship-building, she has fostered meaningful engagement with Pirirākau hapū and mana whenua. Still, she's quick to share the spotlight. 'Without our volunteers, we just couldn't function. They step up with baiting, trapping, planting — even bird monitoring. We've got a great team.' For Jacquie, the benefits of volunteering are clear — and go far beyond the task at hand. 'You mix with others, get outside in the fresh air, and build real friendships. After years of working, it feels really good to give back'. The community is stronger, greener, and more connected because of Jacquie's mahi — a recognition that is a well-deserved nod to the quiet force shaping Ōmokoroa's future. Volunteering Services offers support, connection, and opportunities for both volunteers and community organisations across the Western Bay and surrounding areas. Whether you're keen to give your time or looking for volunteers to join your kaupapa, we're here to help.
Scoop
27-06-2025
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Shining Stars Of Volunteering Recognised In The Western Bay
Volunteers who go above and beyond for their communities were celebrated at the Volunteer Star Awards by Volunteering Services. The event was held during the Tauranga Big Shout Out Morning Tea at The Kollective on June 18th, as part of National Volunteer Week. The awards recognised individuals from across the Western Bay of Plenty for their exceptional commitment and generosity. As part of the opening, the attendees were welcomed by Councillor Marten Rozeboom. 'I tip my hat to anyone who's prepared to give up a portion of their life to make someone else's life better', Rozeboom shared. Spanning six diverse categories, this year's Volunteer Star Award winners reflect the depth of volunteerism in our region. From environmental action to youth support, neighbourhood care to lifetime dedication, each recipient showcases the powerful impact of giving time for the good of others. 2025 Volunteer Star Award Winners Rising Star – Youth Volunteer: Hannah Secker A talented baker and long-time supporter of Under the Stars, Hannah began helping as a child with her family and now creates weekly homemade desserts for those experiencing homelessness. Her creativity, reliability and warmth are a gift to all. New Light – Newcomer Volunteer: Emily-Kay Livick Emily recently stepped into the role of Achilles Tauranga chapter leader, advocating for disabled children and young people who often miss out on long-distance running events. Her calm leadership and fresh energy are helping create a more inclusive local running community. Local Star – Neighbourhood Champion: Fareena Ali Fareena has volunteered for over a decade with Papamoa Food Hub and its predecessor. Tireless, cheerful, and deeply committed, she supports food relief efforts and is beloved by her fellow volunteers. Green Star – Environmental Volunteer: Jacquie Ashton Jacquie leads the Pest Free Ōmokoroa group, securing funding, growing volunteer networks, and building relationships with mana whenua. Her impact is visible across the peninsula — a true conservation leader working with heart. Guiding Light – Lifetime Volunteer: Shona Graham Celebrating 30 years with Katikati Community Centre, Shona has supported events, after-school care, holiday programmes and much more. Known for her positivity and generosity, she's considered a cornerstone of her community. Shining Star – Volunteer of the Year: Jasper Osborne Through Stoney Creek's Hunt for Good, Jasper donates wild game to community groups including Kura Kai. He balances full-time work with running the not-for-profit and weekend hunts — all to provide nutritious food for local whānau. With over 60 nominations put forward, Volunteering Services Manager, Angela Wallace shares 'Our judges had their work cut out for them with an overwhelming number of nominations and such incredible mahi happening in our region'. Volunteering Services thanks all nominators and community groups who participated — and everyone who makes time to care for others. Special mention also goes to NumberWorks'nWords Tauranga, Neighbourhood Support WBOP, Envirohub BOP, FreshChoice Papamoa, Leanne Brown - Harcourts Pāpāmoa, Tauranga City Council Welcoming Communities, The Coffee Club NZ for their generosity in sponsoring this year's prizes. For more information or to connect with local volunteering opportunities, please reach out on or call (07) 987-0920.
