Tributes to two of the people who helped shape Kawerau were unveiled at ceremonies on Monday.

The first was a sign for the recently renamed Malcolm Campbell Lifestyle Village, as a tribute to the former Kawerau mayor and Bay of Plenty regional councillor, who died in May this year.

The second was the dedication plaque for long-time Kawerau resident Pam Jackson, on a new bench seat by the River Road bus stop in front of the lifestyle village.

Around 50 people gathered in Porritt Drive for the official renaming ceremony of the former Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village.

The event was attended by Campbell’s wife, Adrienne, daughter, Ashleigh Schick, and son, Byron, on what would have been his 74th birthday.

Mayor Faylene Tunui said there was no better day to confirm the renaming of Porritt Glade Lifestyle Village to the Malcolm Campbell Lifestyle Village.

“Malcolm was part of the fabric and the history of our community. From the old jet boating club to the butcher’s shop, to the council, Malcolm has a presence in every corner of our community.”

During his seven terms as mayor, the lifestyle village was just one of the housing developments he had been a driving force behind, and it is still managed by the council.

“Years ago, the private housing developers would look at Kawerau and think, ‘no thanks, zombie town’.

“It was Malcolm who kept the faith in Kawerau and it was Malcolm who convinced us all to take the risk on a series of council housing developments. Porritt Glade was one of those risks and it was a risk that paid off.

“As you can see today, the village is full and thriving.”

On behalf of the family, Adrienne Campbell thanked the mayor, councillors and council staff and residents of the village who enabled the tribute to her husband.

“The village project was always very close to his heart,” she said.

Long-time Kawerau resident Dennis Jackson, who had been instrumental in requesting the name change, was in attendance.

Afterwards, everyone walked around the corner to the newly installed bus stop bench he had donated in memory of his wife, Pam, who died in January last year.

A second unveiling ceremony was held for the brass plaque dedicating the seat to her memory.

In an emotional speech, Jackson described his wife’s material impact on the town’s history, being deeply involved in events such as the New Zealand National Wood Skills Competition, and the Tasman King of the Mountain Race, alongside her husband.

She had opened the town’s first real estate agency and she and her husband had been key organisers of Keep Kawerau Beautiful activities.

“There were many things she was involved in. She didn’t want any praise or any recognition, just to get on and see it done.”

She was close friends with one of the original residents of the lifestyle village, Averil Edhouse, and they had often walked together. They had come up with the idea that a bench seat was needed at the bus stop for people from the village and neighbouring Mountain View Rest Home to use.

“So, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to do this for her and I really would like it if all the people who use it remember the people who made up this town.

“This town isn’t just our town. As far as I’m concerned, this town is my family.”