For nearly 30 years, Jim Cowern has quietly worked behind the scenes to help protect Waihī Beach’s environment, preserve its history and make his community a better place to live.

Now his decades of dedication have been recognised with the Volunteer Star Award for Waihī Beach.

Cowern was nominated by ECHO Walking Festival organiser Vicki Lambert, who described him as “an absolute legend” for his commitment to the community.

Lambert said Cowern had spent years guiding ECHO Walking Festival walks, clearing tracks and sharing his extensive knowledge of Waihī Beach’s history, native plants and wildlife.

He had also played a leading role with Coast Care Waihī Beach, Predator Free Waihī Beach, the Waihī Beach Environmental Society and local graffiti removal projects.

Nearly 30 years

Born and raised at Waihī Beach, Cowern said volunteering had always been about caring for the place he calls home.

“I’ve been involved with Coast Care for over 25 years, probably close to 30 years,” he said.

Living just metres from the beach, Cowern had watched the coastline change over the years and had devoted countless hours to dune restoration, planting native species and helping create stronger natural dune systems.

He said healthy dunes provide the best long-term protection for the coastline. “People can see the benefits of building up the dunes and planting them. It’s just a no-brainer that you carry on and build dunes.”

Cowern said he had also represented Waihī Beach beyond the local community, attending Coast Care conferences and working with environmental groups to promote best practice in coastal restoration.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer with volunteer Star Jim Cowern, and Angela Wallace of Volunteering Services. Photo / Supplied

His commitment had extended well beyond practical volunteering.

25 years walking

Over many years, he had prepared submissions to councils on coastal planning and environmental issues, advocating for dune protection and sustainable management of Waihī Beach’s coastline.

Cowern said speaking up through formal submissions had been another important way to help protect the beach for future generations.

Alongside his environmental work, he had become a familiar face at the ECHO Walking Festival.

For more than 25 years, Cowern has helped lead guided walks, introducing visitors and locals alike to the area’s rich history and natural environment.

He said researching forgotten stories and sharing them with others had been one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering.

“A lot of the history of Waihī Beach was almost lost,” Cowern said. “I’ve been lucky to find information and share those stories with people.”

He said seeing participants discover new connections with the area has made the many hours of preparation worthwhile.

Remained passionate

Although ongoing health treatment has recently limited his ability to volunteer as much as he’d like, Cowern remained passionate about the causes he’s championed for decades.

He said this year marked the first Coast Care planting day he’d been unable to attend in many years, something he found difficult after such a long involvement. Despite that setback, Cowern said he hoped to continue supporting environmental projects and advocating for Waihī Beach whenever he can.

The Volunteer Star Award recognises not only his willingness to roll up his sleeves but also the lasting impact he has had on the community through almost three decades of service.

Lambert said Cowern was committed and passionate about his hometown. “He is always keen to help and gets stuck into any project, and gets his hands dirty. He’s a bit of a legend,” she said.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities across Bay of Plenty, visit the Volunteering Services website at: www.volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.