First ever community awards launched in Far North

Nominations are open for the inaugural TrustPower Far North Community Awards to showcase and celebrate local volunteers.

Nominations for the TrustPower Far North Community Awards open today (Monday 12 July). The Awards, which are run in conjunction with the Far north District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working for the benefit of Far North.

The TrustPower Community Awards are run in 23 regions throughout New Zealand, and there is over $5,000 in prize money up for grabs through the Far North Community Awards.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge says TrustPower is excited about launching the Community Awards programme in Far North.

“With TrustPower’s recent purchase of the electricity from the Ngawha Geothermal Power Station we now have a significant presence in the region.

“TrustPower’s Community Awards programme is the perfect way to give something back to the community that has welcomed us so warmly,” says Mrs Partridge.

Anyone can nominate a voluntary group or organisation for the TrustPower Community Awards – groups can even nominate themselves.

“The TrustPower Community Awards are a brilliant way for the Far North District to get in behind their voluntary groups.

“This as a chance to give something back to those that dedicate so much of their time to improving their community,” says Mrs Partridge.

Far North residents are being encouraged to put forward names of voluntary groups helping keep community spirit alive. It is up to everyone in the community to support these humble heroes by nominating them for some well deserved recognition.

There are a huge number of voluntary organisations who contribute their time, effort and energy to strengthen this community. This is your chance to turn the spotlight onto those that usually work behind the scenes.

Far North Mayor Wayne Brown says that when they received the invitation from TrustPower to participate, the council was more than pleased to come on board.

“In rural districts such as the Far North which don’t have the population density or the financial resources to support formal support structures, volunteer groups become the virtual lifeblood of our communities.

“The Community Awards are one way in which we can recognise the valuable contributions these people make on a daily basis and will fit well with the council’s Citizens Awards scheme which recognises individuals rather than groups,” says Mayor Brown.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Educational and Child/Youth Development. Category winners receive $500, runners-up receive $250 and the Supreme Winner will take home $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Community Awards being held in Nelson and Tasman in March 2010.

Nomination Forms for the TrustPower Community Awards are available from the Council offices or service centres you can nominate online or download a nomination form from www.trustpower.co.nz/communitycentre.

Nomination Forms can also be received by texting the word ‘TRUST’ to 244 or call Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11.

Nominations close on Friday 11 September, so get nominating today!