On Sunday 29 July 2018 at Caccia Birch House two of Palmerston North's local historians were recognised.
Cindy Lilburn was given a special award for devoting her life to heritage matters in Palmerston North and the surrounding areas. She was said to have an impressive knowledge of Te Manawa's collections, and the material culture of the region; be generous in sharing her knowledge and provide a strong voice within the region on a number of bodies including the Palmerston North Heritage Trust.
Tina White was awarded the Local Historian of the Year Award by the Palmerston North Heritage Trust for her longstanding 'Memory Lane' articles for Stuff. She started writing this series in 2004 with her first article on Palmerston North Hospital. She has explored a plethora of topics since then, from buildings to early settlers, royal visits and city scandals. Tina said that "This city has an amazing story, so many fascinating things have happened in this city that most people don't really know about."