Community Champions

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.