Kawhia’s Horahaere Scott, left, with Stacey Hill, who nominated her for the Volunteering Waikato regional individual award.
Horahaere Scott’s fight to protect inner Kāwhia Harbour beach from vehicles was recognised in the annual Volunteering Waikato awards.
Scott, who is heavily involved in coastal protection groups Onepu Trust and Te Taiao o Kāwhia Moana, was named runner up in the regional individual award after a nomination from Coastcare-Waikato coordinator Stacey Hill.
She was one of 10 finalists in line for award which recognises volunteers who have made a significant difference in the Waikato by going above and beyond to support their communities. It was won by Hakarimata Restoration Group founder Greg Townsend
“What makes Horahaere extraordinary is her sheer determination – she’s been fighting for beach protection for decades when most would have given up years ago,” Hill said.
To prevent damage to shellfish beds and natural habitats Scott leads the campaign to stop vehicles driving onto the beach near Maketu Marae, where the Tainui waka arrived and is buried. Drivers who misjudge the tide find themselves cut off at the lagoon at least once a week, sometimes as many as three times a week.
Hill said Scott saw connections everywhere, bringing together organisations and people for a shared vision.
“She’s both a big picture thinker and someone who’ll roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty planting or weeding. Her deep cultural knowledge makes her environmental work so much more meaningful and effective.”
Hill said Scott did not want the nomination until she was convinced it could put a spotlight the vehicles on the beach issue she cares so deeply about.
“She started beach vehicle management conversations decades ago when nobody wanted to hear it, and now the push to restrict vehicles from the inner harbour has some real momentum.”
Scott is collecting signatures for a petition to Ōtorohanga District Council asking it to provide vehicular access to Te Puia Springs from Tom French Grove. The move would also remove access by Maketu Marae where the Tainui waka is buried.
“Her recognition would amplify the message at the heart of her work: that protecting our coastal spaces from vehicle damage is essential for preserving these treasured environments for future generations. This award would help more people understand the importance of keeping vehicles off our beaches – giving her lifetime of advocacy the wider audience it truly deserves.”
Asked how she felt, shortly after receiving her award at a ceremony in Hamilton last week, Scott said: “Overwhelmed. Surprised. Excited.”
“Getting this award is showing me what we are trying to do is very important for Kāwhia. We want to stop the vehicles going on our beach.”
Nominations included Te Awamutu Riding for the Disabled volunteer Cara de Villiers, 15, for the youth award, and Predator Free National Fieldays, Kirikiriroa & St Peter’s Scout Group and Riding for the Disabled Te Awamutu-Kihikihi for the team award.
