Locals have just a few more days to ensure their favourite voluntary groups are part of the Tararua's biggest celebration of volunteers.
Entries for the TrustPower Tararua District Community Awards close at 5pm this Friday, with more than $5000 up for grabs.
The awards, run in partnership with the Tararua District Council, recognise and reward voluntary groups and organisations for outstanding contributions to their community.
The awards are now in their 13th year, and last year 36 entries were received.
TrustPower community-relations representative Teresa Partridge said many groups provided services, activities, support and events in the community and often were not recognised for their invaluable work.
"Volunteers dedicate thousands of hours to the community. We must remember that volunteers fundraise, they build and preserve things and they host events," she said.
"They co-ordinate health support groups and they teach new skills and sports and then there are others who will even save your life and property.
"The value of volunteering is immense and irreplaceable. One of the best ways to demonstrate the importance of volunteering to the Tararua community is to ensure these volunteers' contributions are recognised, valued and accounted for.
"Entering a group for the community awards will take just two minutes of your time but it will ensure they get the recognition they deserve."
Anyone can enter a group or organisation for the TrustPower Tararua District Community Awards - voluntary groups and organisations can even enter themselves.
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 overall winner receives $1500 and the opportunity to attend, at no cost, the National Community Awards in Queenstown next April. Last year's supreme winner was Ormondville Rail Preservation Group.
Awards entry forms are available from the council offices or service centre, they can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards, or you can call Community Relations on 0800 87 11 11.