7 September 2012
Final Days to Enter Wairoa District’s Community Heroes into Local Awards
Local community groups and volunteers have just a few more days to ensure they are part of the Wairoa District’s biggest
celebration highlighting the district’s volunteers. Entries for the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards close at 5pm on
Friday 14 September and there is more than $5,000 up for grabs.
The TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards, run in conjunction with the Wairoa District Council, recognise and reward
voluntary groups and organisations for the outstanding contribution they make to their community.
The TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards have been running since 2000. Each year, usually 15-19 groups are entered into
the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards. Last year 15 entries were received and 23 were received in 2010.
TrustPower Community Relations Coordinator Suzi Luff says entries are extremely low at the moment but she believes there
are still many groups and volunteers providing services, activities, support and events in the community and often they
are not recognised for the invaluable work they do.
“Volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to the community. We must remember that volunteers fundraise, they build and
preserve things, and they host events. They coordinate health support groups and they teach children new skills and
sports and then there are others who will even save your life and property if they need to. Think of the oil spills near
Tauranga, the Rugby World Cup and the Canterbury quake which all needed volunteers – and all of this is often on top of
work and family commitments too.
These Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and honour some of the Wairoa District’s hardworking and generous
volunteers and it means we get the chance to share with the community all the wonderful things that this district’s
volunteers are doing for the benefit of many.
Now it’s the community’s chance to say ‘thanks’ to these volunteers who work hard for the community.
Its takes five minutes to enter a voluntary group but it will make a real difference to the volunteers you are
recognising,” says Miss Luff.
Anyone can enter a voluntary group for the Awards – groups can even enter themselves. But act now because entries close
on Friday 14 September.
The Supreme Winner of the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards will represent the district at the TrustPower National
Community Awards which are being hosted by the Far North region next March.
As an added bonus, everyone who enters a group for the TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards will go in the draw to win a
$100 power voucher.
Entry forms are available at any Council office or service centre, online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards or by calling TrustPower Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11. Suzi will gladly take entries over the phone.
The Awards cover five categories; Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure,
and Educational and Child/Youth Development. The category winners receive $500 and runners up take home $250. The
Supreme Winner receives $1,500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards being held in
the Far North in March 2013. Last year’s Wairoa Supreme Winner was Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Restoration Trust.
The regional TrustPower Wairoa Community Awards will be presented at a function on Tuesday 16 October.
For more information on the TrustPower Community Awards please visit www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards
ENDS