Ruapehu's citizens of the year sought

It's time to honour the people who give of their time and energy - unpaid - to make towns like Ohakune, Raetihi and Waiouru work .

Volunteers are set to be honoured in the Ruapehu region.

Nominations for this year's Citizen Awards are now open.

There are two Citizen Awards given out yearly with one for the northern part of the district covering National Park, Taumarunui and Ohura under the Northern Ruapehu Citizen Award and one for the Waimarino-Waiouru area under the Waimarino Citizen Award.

Mayor Don Cameron said that the Citizen Awards provide important recognition of the value that Ruapehu places on volunteer workers.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and thank the outstanding contributions made by individuals to their communities by performing voluntary, unpaid work over an extended period of time," he said.

"Volunteer workers provide the backbone of many of the essential community services that we rely on every day."

"Without the commitment and dedication of these people many aspects of the community would cease to function."

Unsuccessful nominees from previous years can be re-nominated.

The nomination form including the criteria for nominees is available from council offices, by calling Council, or via the website, www.ruapehudc.govt.nz.

Nominations close October 7.