Taranaki Mayoral Award 2023

NICE HOTEL OWNER TERRY PARKERS, WINNER OF THE PRESTIGIOUS 2023 TARANAKI MAYORAL AWARD, WITH THE TARANAKI MAYORAL FORUM.

Terry was completely sideswiped by the announcement. “You sort of get shell shocked and all I want is a martini,” says Terry, after being honoured for his sustained leadership and contribution to business in Taranaki on November 11.

“Thank you very much. You’ve heard it all; I haven’t done half of what he said,” says Terry, downplaying the words of Stratford District Mayor Neil Volzke, who announced the award.

At the TSB Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, Neil says Terry is a passionate advocate for Taranaki, whose service to the community is far reaching in many areas.

“This includes sponsorship, fundraising and support for the visual and performing arts, WOMAD, (Centuria) Taranaki Garden Festival, St Mary’s Cathedral, the angiography machine and purpose-built suite at the Taranaki Base Hospital, and provision of thousands of free lunches to children at low decile schools.”

He says Terry has been chair of the Art in Public Places Trust, and involved with the Govett-Brewster Foundation and Len Lye Centre. “He was a vocal supporter of the Wind Wand installation – so much so, that he even had it tattooed on his arm.”

Neil says the Nice Hotel and restaurant has won multiple hospitality and tourism awards, Terry has served as a mentor to many, and has long been a strong supporter of the business community and organisations.

In 2017, he received the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the arts, business and the community.

“It’s not hard to be part of the community. It doesn’t take money, it takes a little bit of effort and I think if you love where you live, how can you do anything else,” Terry says.

“I just care. I walk in the park for nothing, I go to the gallery for nothing, I go on the walkway for nothing; our forefathers did things.”

ABOUT THE TARANAKI MAYORAL AWARD

First awarded in 2002, it is supported by all four councils in the region; New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki District Councils and the Taranaki Regional Council.

The award recognises sustained leadership and contribution to Taranaki by a leader in the business community. Their leadership creates growth and opportunities for all Taranaki businesses and promotes Taranaki as a region with outstanding capabilities –like no other!