Life Awards 2025: Meet the recipients
Celebrating those who go above and beyond for tamariki with cancer and their whānau.
It was a wonderful day of celebration and reflection at our 2025 Life Awards, held at Ōrākei Marae recently.
Surrounded by the care of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and the warmth of the wonderful Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, we were thrilled to have the chance to honour the incredible efforts of those who have gone above and beyond in supporting our kaupapa.
Both Dennis Turton and Nick Beale were honoured as Life Members, in what is the highest recognition we can bestow, for their substantial contributions over a considerable period of time.
Dennis has been involved with Child Cancer Foundation for more than a decade, and during this time has tirelessly given his time, contacts, resources and energy.
During his time as Chair of the Board, Dennis increased diversity on the Board, created a new governance model and procedures, as well as a new strategic plan; whilst in addition to this, he has sat on various committees, has driven different governance workplans and overseen our financial stewardship.
Dennis too has always focused on the needs of the families connected to our service and has been incredibly supportive of our bicultural journey.
Meanwhile, in 2012, Nick was appointed to the Board as a Commercial Member to assist with fundraising and income generation, and has been an incredibly trusted advisor since then.
Nick has served some time as Board Chair, and has also Chaired both the Finance, Audit, and Risk committee and the Property committee, bringing with him very strong business skills. His depth of thinking is admirable, as is his calm presence in difficult circumstances.
Nick too has made significant financial contributions to the Foundation, both personally and through his company RCP, and has also called upon his wide circle of valued contacts to assist with our efforts.
We also had the chance to acknowledge three of our amazing Star tamariki – Houston Collins, Indi Weallans and Manaia Huntley – for their outstanding commitment to their ambassadorial roles.
Leaders, advocates, fundraisers, storytellers and community champions, Houston, Indi and Manaia inspire all those who meet them.
We also crowned both Caleb Jackson and Lilith Scott with an Outstanding Contribution to Child Cancer Foundation, for bravely sharing their stories; Caleb at not one but two of our Sparkle for Hope Balls and Lilith with the entire nation on Seven Sharp.
We also celebrated the strength of our growing partnership with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei through the presentation of the Community Service – Valued Organisation Award.
Three years ago, we made an intentional effort to embark on a bi-cultural journey and connected with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, sharing our aspirations. Since that moment, we have been incredibly fortunate to have had their continued support.
From offering their marae for what was our very first Combined Hui, to generously supporting our signature event, Go for Gold, and playing an instrumental role in the relocation of our Tāmaki office, to name just a few key things, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have graciously shared with us their knowledge, support, patience and aroha, and we look forward to this relationship continuing to grow.
Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou mō tō koutou tautoko me tō koutou manaakitanga.