Evelyn Churchill has received a Pride of Workmanship Award from the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge, recognising her outstanding contribution to the Rowan Apartments project. The project is helping tackle the shortage of accessible housing for younger adults living with complex physical disabilities in Hawke’s Bay.
The award was presented on 26 August 2025 by Andrew Wordsworth, Enliven Disability Service Manager, and Debbie Bakkerus, PSEC Head of Marketing. Evelyn was nominated by Enliven Disability for her thoughtful advocacy, practical ideas and strong commitment to improving the lives of others.
Evelyn has lived at Rowan for seven years and has played a key role in shaping the new apartments on the same site. Even though she won’t be moving into the new homes, she’s been attending site meetings and offering helpful advice to make sure they’ll work well for future residents.
Andrew shared at the Awards event, “Evelyn is an amazing human being. It’s really rare to meet someone who despite their own realities gives of themselves to make other people’s lives better. She’s not going to be living in the apartments, but she’s been prepared to give of her time and her energy to make that environment great for others. She has been instrumental in advising us on what will work and what will not. I am incredibly grateful to you, Evelyn, and to the example you set for all of us about what it means to give of yourself and serve others. Thank you so much.”
The Pride of Workmanship Awards celebrate quiet achievers who live by Rotary’s principal motto “Service Above Self” in their work and volunteer efforts. The event was hosted by the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge, which meets in Havelock North. Attendees included Stuart Knauf, President of the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge, Sandra Hazlehurst, Mayor of Heretaunga Hastings, and inspiring members of other local organisations.
Mayor Hazlehurst acknowledged the award recipients for their dedication to supporting the community and helping build a region where everyone can live their best life. She highlighted the importance of wellbeing across Hawke’s Bay and the need to create safe and inclusive spaces. She also shared her pride in the award recipients recognised during the evening.
The Rowan Apartments project is nearly finished and will offer two fully accessible two-bedroom homes for younger adults living with complex physical disabilities. Evelyn’s input has helped shape a space where others can thrive!
“We say that the community thrives when the most underserved people in the community are given an opportunity to thrive. If we can keep creating opportunities for younger disabled adults to thrive, and if we can do that well, then Hawke’s Bay becomes a really amazing community,” said Andrew. “It is a privilege to be part of this project, and to be a few weeks away from seeing it complete, and Evelyn’s role in this project has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Photo: In front left to right is award recipient Evelyn Churchill with Debbie Bakkerus (PSEC Head of Marketing), back left to right is Stuart Knauf (President of the Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge), Sandra Hazlehurst (Mayor of Heretaunga Hastings) and Andrew Wordsworth (Enliven Disability Service Manager).
Photo: Evelyn’s certificate reflects her selfless work and the even deeper respect she’s earned from her community.
The Rotary Club of Stortford Lodge welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds. To learn more, visit rotarystortfordlodge.nz or email Isobel on membership@rotarystortfordlodge.nz
Enliven Disability is grateful for the support already received to help build the Rowan Apartments. There’s still time to give a brick! Visit www.giveabrick.org.nz
