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Among the many innovative and successful businesses recognised at the
2007 Papakura Business Excellence Awards there were also awards given
out to Community Champions.
These recognise people who make exceptional contributions to the
well-being of the Papakura community. Each year, the Community
Champions are named by Papakura District Council’s elected members. This
year, awards went to Papakura Town Centre Association stalwart Peter
Dodd and Gateway Community Trust’s Bruce and Theresa Benge.
Bruce and Theresa Benge (pictured left)
Together with wife Theresa, Bruce Benge founded the Gateway Community
Church and Trust. A strong focus on youth has seen the development of a
wide range of programmes for young people including Planet Action, Team
Xtreme, and Straight Up.
Gateway also developed the concept of the Papakura Youth Expo. The
Youth Expo’s events include the annual Jump Jam competition at
Papakura’s annual family Fireworks Show and the latest Expo also hosted
a performance and workshop by Tommy the Klown, originator of the
American “Krumping” dance craze.
Carols in the Park were initially established by Gateway before being
run in partnership with Papakura District Council, and have gone from
strength to strength to become a firm end of year family favourite.
Bruce and Theresa say the foundation for all their work in the community
is their faith.
Peter Dodd (pictured right)
A person who passionately believes in putting back into the local
community, Peter consistently follows through for what he believes. He
will go out of his way to advocate shopping locally to support local
business. Leading by example, he has invested a huge amount into
upgrading his own business through the reconstruction of his building.
Serving local business as chair of the Papakura Town Centre Association,
he also volunteers his time to promote the Town Centre and is actively
involved in improving the local business environment. Through his
business, Peter also sponsors local events such as the Trolley Derby,
Dunlop Targa, and the Business Excellence Awards.
Chief instructor at Papakura Gym Club for 20 years, Peter has overseen
the smooth running and grading of the children in the Club.
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