Lowie Harrison
Lowie Harrison has become a very familiar face since she and her family moved to Marton.
Having moved here from Auckland to be closer to their son’s school at Hato Pāora, Lowie and by extension her whānau have thrown themselves into community work.
Coming from such a rat race up north, adjusting to the pace of Marton was a challenge, and Lowie has always liked to keep busy, so she’s volunteered for Marton Junction School, Marton Food Pantry, Marton Community Patrol, Marton Rugby Club, Marton Lions Club, Rātana Womens League and the Marton Op Shop.
Rugby and Rugby League are two of her big passions, but an untimely broken toe at the start of her first season with Marton meant that she shifted into a management role, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Anyone you speak to says that Lowie is the heart and soul of the Marton QueenBeez, and her passion for the team, the junior Global Games team, and the wider club is evident with the amount of fundraising that she helped to facilitate. Her drive to get the players and supporters behind fundraising efforts was relentless, but inclusive. Making sure that everyone had a place in feeling a part of the efforts.
It would be remiss of us not to mention that while Lowie does an incredible amount of work, much of this is made possible by the support of her whānau. Her husband Kevin, and her children are by her side at most things, be it chopping wood for raffles, serving breakfast for junior players at the club on Saturday, to preparing after match meals and functions for team playing at Marton Park.
You can rely on them to gather a reliable crew together to assist with events and that makes an enormous difference, even if she does get the odd eye roll from some of her kids.
Lowie was presented with her award by Mayor Andy Watson at the Marton Rugby & Sports Club, supported by whānau and friends.
The whānau are driven by Lowie and despite the many demands on her own time, she continues to give selflessly, never seeking recognition, simply wanting to help where she can to make a positive difference.
She is incredibly community-minded and leads by example, showing what it means to “give back”. She helps build connection and pride within the district. She does everything asked of her with a happy disposition.
Everybody knows they can count on Lowie. Despite having a chaotic home life, running the whānau business and nurturing her two newly born Moko boys, Wiremu and Aizen Raiona, Lowie will always find time to serve the community. And for that, Lowie is incredibly deserving of this recognition.
Congratulations, Lowie.