Omokoroa Skate Group reign supreme in Trustpower community awards

Since opening in May, Omokoroa's new skatepath has been widely used after school and at weekends thanks to the Omokoroa Skate Group, winners of this year's community awards. Photo/file

Omokoroa Community Skate Group has won the Supreme Award at this year's community awards.

The 2016 Trustpower Western Bay of Plenty District Community Awards were announced and presented tonight at a function at Comvita, Paengaroa.

Trustpower community relations representative Emily Beaton said Omokoroa Community Skate Group was on a mission to make its dream a reality.

"$242,000 was needed to see this dream come to fruition - and the group of Omokoroa Point School students behind this project were not stopping for anything.

"They got creative with their fundraising and had a real passion for their cause, which made it easy for the council and the community to back the goal.

"The resulting facility for the community - an environmentally sustainable skate path - has been the vision from the beginning and with the Western Ave location home to many large trees, and being a part of a beautiful green area that is enjoyed by many, a path, will provide a unique skate area for the local community.

"The skate path will offer a challenging, yet modest neighbourhood skate facility that can be enjoyed by all ages," Miss Beaton said.
For winning the Supreme Award, Omokoroa Community Skate Group received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1500 prize money.

Omokoroa Community Skate Group now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2016 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in Rotorua in March 2017.

In total, Trustpower has given away over $5000 to various community groups through tonight's awards.

Other winners at tonight's Trustpower Western Bay of Plenty District Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment
Winner: Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust
Runner up: Western Bay Museum

Health and Wellbeing
Winner: Katikati St John - New Build
Runner up: Katikati Mens Shed
Commendation: Sands Bay of Plenty

Arts and Culture
Winner: Omokoroa Public Art Group
Runner up: Katikati Concert Band

Sports and Leisure
Winner: Te Puke Squash Rackets Club
Runner up: Omokoroa Boat Club - Learn to Sail Group

Educational and Child Youth Development
Winner: Kaimai Outdoor Centre Inc.
Runner up: Seasons Programme

Youth Community Spirit Award
Winner: Micaela Fleming, Katikati College
Runner up: Madison Beehre, Te Puke High School