Volunteer recognised, quick to praise others

 

According to one local there are more volunteers in Mangawhai per head of population than anywhere else in New Zealand.

The week of June 15-21 was sport volunteer week across the country and in Mangawhai one of these good sorts was surprised with a presentation by Sport Northland at his group’s recent working bee.

Gordon Hoskins has lived in Mangawhai for the past six years and in that time he has made an impact in the local community.

Not long after arriving he spotted some blokes cutting a walking track in Mangawhai Park. As a keen bushman, he soon volunteered to help.

The community was soon asking for more challenging walks, fundraising became necessary and because of this Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust was formed to fundraise, plan prioritise and negotiate with landowners. Gordon volunteered to Chair the committee and remains the driving force behind the Trust’s activities.

The track building has grown and recently an 8km loop track was completed on the south side of the Brynderwyns.

Gordon is keen to develop a walking and mountain bike track at the Mangawhai Park aimed at families and learners.

He is also currently talking with council regarding a block of land to develop a mountain bike track and is keen to see sporting events associated with this in the future.

When he is not leading the Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, Gordon can be found indulging his biking passion both on and off-road.

With true kiwi humility, on receiving his award Gordon pointed out that it took many volunteers to achieve the results produced in the local community.

Thanks to Sport Northland’s Lotto Sport Maker programme, Gordon has received a first aid kit and Lotto Sport Maker merchandise.

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