2026
The Board was pleased to present the ‘Eastbournes’ 2026 to Louise Parry, Willie Davis and the Eastbourne Lions
Louise Parry
For services to the Eastern Bays community with 18 years as the owner, publisher, editor and reporter of the Eastbourne Herald, arguably our most important piece of social and civic infrastructure.
Louise decided her future was in journalism from an early age, graduating from Wellington Polytech with a Diploma in Journalism. She started out at Radio NZ working on documentaries and programmes like Ears with Dick Weir before heading off on her OE. From London to Marton, New Zealand, she wrote for the Rangitaiki Mail and the Central District Farmer while holding down a second job as Watch House Assistant at the Bulls Police Station. A shift back to Wellington saw her working as a subby at The Evening Post before she left to have her first child. Shifting to Eastbourne in 1997 she started reporting for the Eastbourne Herald before taking ownership in 2007. It was a steep learning curve as she transitioned the Herald to full-colour and digital production.
Over those 18 years the Herald has been an anchor to the Eastern Bays, delivered to every letter box it has been an essential service, informing and binding our community together, accessible to all. There have been many changes over that time, notably competition with digital technologies for advertising revenue, but the publication has been sustained by the loyalty of local businesses, recognition of the important role the Herald still plays in that community as well.
There have been many memorable events; the loss of our community police station and constable, the creation (and eventual end) of the highly popular Eastbourne Games, increasing numbers of weather events which characterise our community’s vulnerability, elections, Tupua Horo Nuku and of course the Covid pandemic. Louise’ response to that was to take the Herald online, and manually print off copies to deliver to those residents without digital access.
Louise has been lavish in her praise of all the people who have contributed to the Herald over the years, the previous owners, publishers, editors, writers, deliverers and supporters, describing it as a team effort, but anchored as we know by the courage, resilience and persistence to take on the challenge and rise to occasion when needed.
Louise has since graduated with a Bachelor of Counselling and is now practicing in our community, providing yet another valued social service.
The Board appreciates the contribution that Louise has made to our community in maintaining this important service, and we wish her well in the next phase of her journey.
Willie Davis
Few individuals embody the spirit of Eastbourne as completely as Willie Davis. Willie has become a central figure within the community through his unwavering commitment to service, generosity, and local involvement.
For many years, Willie has contributed countless hours supporting community organisations, sporting clubs, schools, and residents throughout the bays. His support to the Eastbourne Bowling Club has been particularly significant. As a sponsor and supporter, he played an instrumental role in helping the club retain its current premises, ensuring its continued place at the heart of the community.
Willie also serves on the board of the Eastbourne Rugby Club, where his leadership and commitment help strengthen recreational and social opportunities for local residents. His passion for grassroots sport is evident through his long-standing involvement with the Club, where he has spent many years managing the Under 85kg rugby team and supporting many others. Whether on the sidelines, behind the scenes, or lending a helping hand, Willie is a constant source of encouragement and support.
Beyond sport, Willie has generously volunteered his time to numerous community initiatives. He has assisted local schools with projects and practical support, contributed to the work of the Eastbourne Scouts, supported MIRO and Nourish, helped the Eastbourne Toy Library, assisted with community rafts and numerous events throughout the bays, and provided practical help to countless individuals whenever it was needed.
As a local builder, Willie has established and grown a successful business over the past twelve years, predominantly serving Eastbourne residents. The fact that so much of his work has come from within the local community is a testament to the trust, confidence, and respect he has earned through his workmanship, integrity, and reliability.
Together with his family, Willie lives and breathes Eastbourne. His service, generosity, community spirit, and genuine care for others have made a lasting difference to the lives of many people. Eastbourne is a stronger, more connected, and more vibrant community because of his efforts.
Eastbourne Lions –