Entries for the Trustpower Rotorua Lakes Community Awards, which acknowledge volunteer groups, and the Rotorua Lakes Council Community Awards, for individuals, are now open.
The Trustpower Rotorua Lakes Community Awards recognise and thank local volunteer groups and their contributions to the community.
Anyone can enter a group or organisation in the awards, including the groups themselves.
Since the awards began in 1999 more than $83,000 has been given to deserving groups and organisations. This year more than $5000 is up for grabs.
The Rotorua Lakes Council Community Awards recognise outstanding community service by an individual and national and international achievements by local people over a period of more than 15 years.
Last year about 50 entries were received for the Trustpower awards.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick encouraged people to get behind both awards.
"We are extremely grateful for the very important contribution to our community of all the wonderful people who volunteer for everything from caring for the elderly to working with youth, coaching sports teams and fundraising for worthy causes.
"The community could not function without the efforts of these people and the Trustpower Community Awards and Rotorua Lakes Council Community Awards are one small way we can thank them and recognise their contribution to making our district a better place," she said.
Entry forms are available from council offices or service centres or can be completed online at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards and www.rotorualc.nz.
Entry forms can also be requested by calling Emily Beaton on (0800) 87 11 11, extn 4310.
The Trustpower Community Awards cover five categories: Heritage and Environment; Health and Wellbeing; Arts and Culture; Sport and Leisure; Educational and Child/Youth Development.
Category winners receive $500, runners-up receive $250 and the supreme winner will take home $1500 and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2017 Trustpower National Community Awards.
Last year's Trustpower Rotorua Lakes Community Awards Supreme Winner was Te Waiariki Purea Trust.
Entries for both award programmes close at 5pm on April 13.