Waitangi Day 2020: Gold Coast’s Kiwi population thank Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow

There’s still more than a month left until her retirement but the Gold Coast’s Kiwi population have thanked an outgoing city councillor at one of their most high profile events.

RETIRING Gold Coast councillor Dawn Crichlow - who says she likes the way New Zealand “operates” - has been recognised by the city’s Maori community at Waitangi Day celebrations.

The outgoing Division 6 councillor was gifted a traditional Maori cloak and headband as a thank you gift for years of support at Broadwater Parklands celebrations held yesterday a week later than normal due to the rain.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow at Waitangi Day after receiving a traditional Maori headband and cloak.

Event organiser Rex Stainton said Cr Crichlow had been helping keep them afloat for more than a decade.

“Dawn actually goes beyond her call in terms of what she’s done and how she’s been with us,” he said.

Gold Coast Waitangi Day celebrations

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“It is her area, but she could have just ignored us. There were times where the event couldn’t go ahead but she stepped in and made sure it happened.

“She also made funding available when we couldn’t afford the venue at the start, she actually waived the fees so we didn’t have to pay.

“She’s really been an integral part of our community.”

Cr Crichlow said the gift was a “beautiful” surprise.

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Ivy Campbell Izrael Murtas and Antonio Murtas celebrating Waitangi Day at the Broadwater Parklands. (Photos/Steve Holland)

“They also did a miniature headband for Princess Pookie, the Waitangi chief made her a princess about seven years ago,” she said.

“It’s been 12 years (of Waitangi Day) and I’ve been to every one. It’s a big family, I like New Zealand, the way they operate.”

Carole Gray, Philomena Matthews, Renae Heremaia celebrating Waitangi Day at the Broadwater Parklands. (Photos/Steve Holland)

She added she wanted to see her successor continue the tradition of supporting the event, as well as Broadwater Parklands.

“I’m hoping my successor will still give (Broadwater Parklands) X amount of dollars every year for events,” she said.

“You take that out of your divisional allowance immediately as soon as the budget comes down. I’m certain it should continue on.”

Cr Crichlow last week named Shaelee Welchman as her preferred candidate for Division 6, with Gold Coast Show Society leader Josephine Tobias, Brook Pulman and Michael Pulford also running in the competitive Southport region.