A highlight at our 2018 Annual General Meeting in October was the presentation of a Life Membership Award to Rev Dennis Povey.
The Life Membership Award was recommended by the Board, as an acknowledgement of Dennis’ outstanding contribution, both as a staff member and in a voluntary capacity over the last few decades.
Dennis is well known and regarded for the research work he has led in the Dunedin, particularly around poverty and housing. He was most recently assisting in our archives space and retired earlier this year.
His citation noted: Dennis has had a long association with Presbyterian Support, beginning with a Board role in the Central Region.
[He] oversaw the detailed research into poverty and its impact on Presbyterian Support Otago clients. This was followed by research into the state of low income housing in Dunedin. These publications have been used regularly by University of Otago social work department and quoted often by local government officials.
He has been the driving force behind the establishment of social housing through the Just Housing Trust, that now comes under Presbyterian Support Otago’s oversight.
Thank you, Dennis, for your many years of service to the organisation.