Searching for Rotorua districts community heroes

The once a year opportunity to celebrate and recognise local volunteers has arrived in the Rotorua district, with nominations open for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards today (Monday 25 July).

The awards, which are run in conjunction with the Rotorua District Council, are open to all voluntary groups and organisations working to make the Rotorua District a better place to live.

Since the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards began in 2001, more than $60,000 has been given away to deserving voluntary groups and organisations. This year more than $5,000 is up for grabs.

Anyone can nominate a group or organisation for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards - voluntary groups and organisations can even nominate themselves.

Last year 55 nominations were received for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards, but TrustPower Community Relations Representative Suzi Luff believes there are many more voluntary groups out there who deserve recognition.

"Volunteers in the Rotorua District dedicate thousands of hours to the community. Often they are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.

"Now it's the local community's chance to say 'thank you' to these volunteers who work hard to improve the community - from sports clubs, to Plunket groups, to community projects happening in your backyard. It takes five minutes of your time to nominate a voluntary group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are recognising," says Miss Luff.

Rotorua mayor Kevin Winters values the contribution that volunteers make to Rotorua.

"We're very fortunate to be part of a community where people just roll up their sleeves and make things happen for their fellow citizens. They give their time, contribute their skills, share their knowledge, and in many cases undertake major fundraising efforts. In return they seek nothing more than the satisfaction of having made a real difference to their community.

"Rotorua District Council shares common objectives with many of these groups which exist to make this a better place to live and to support those people in our community who need some help.

"Our district is rich in volunteer organisations and we're blessed with a bountiful generosity of spirit from the people who make up such groups. I urge local residents to nominate a group or groups that you think make a worthwhile contribution to the wellbeing of Rotorua, for this year's TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards," says Mayor Winters.

Nomination forms for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards are available from Council offices or service centres or can be downloaded from www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards. Nomination forms can also be received by calling Suzi Luff of TrustPower Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11.

The awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure, and Education 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. Last year's Supreme Winner was Rotorua Creative Art Trust.

Nominations for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards close on Friday 23 September.