Three Napier volunteers honoured at the 2026 Civic Awards

By the Explore Napier news desk · Published Thursday 12 November 2026

Cricket leader Craig Findlay, long-time volunteer Mary Wise and Māori Warden Marcia Princess Anderson have received Napier's 2026 Civic Awards for their service to the city.

When

Tuesday 10 November

Where

Napier War Memorial Centre

Recipients

Craig Findlay, Mary Wise and Marcia Princess Anderson

Mayor Richard McGrath handed out the awards at a ceremony at the Napier War Memorial Centre on Tuesday 10 November, according to the council’s announcement. The Civic Awards have been running since 1977 and honour residents for outstanding voluntary service to Napier.

“The Civic Awards celebrate people who work hard for the benefit of others and ask for very little in return,” Mayor McGrath said.

Who was recognised

• Craig Findlay was recognised for his work in cricket, youth development and community sport across Hawke’s Bay. He is chief executive of Hawke’s Bay Cricket, and the council says his efforts reach well past that job, with thousands of young people getting a chance to play sport as a result.
• Mary Wise has given her time for decades as a friendly first point of contact for locals and visitors, through the Westshore Community Association, Hawke’s Bay Airport, Hawke’s Bay Museum, the Napier i-SITE Visitor Centre and other groups.
• Marcia Princess Anderson has been a Māori Warden for more than 30 years and volunteers at Pukemokimoki Marae. For decades she has looked out for families, elders and people doing it tough in Napier.

Know someone who deserves one?

Nominations for the Civic Awards open once a year. If a volunteer you know has made a real difference in Napier, watch the council’s website for when nominations open again for next year’s awards.

Explore Napier news desk: news@explorenapier.co.nz. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we’ll correct it.