Trustpower Community Awards set to double prize money

The Western Bay of Plenty community group winners. Photo/Supplied

Tauranga community organisations can share in an increased prize pool when entries for the Trustpower Community Awards open on March 5.

Now in its 25th year, the Trustpower Community Awards recognise and reward the efforts of local volunteers.

Trustpower community and communications Advisor Abbie Siely said reaching the 25-year milestone had inspired the company to increase the prize money and include neighbouring districts.

Siely said staff met with local councils, attendees, past and present winners and the wider community to gather feedback on the awards.

"While it's clear that locals love the chance to celebrate the efforts of volunteers in their community, it's no surprise that for many community organisations finances are a constant concern," she said.

"That's why we've increased the prize money available to Trustpower Community Awards recipients."

This year the prize money for a Trustpower Community Award will double to $1000.

Regional Supreme Winners will receive $2000 – up from $1500 last year – and a trip for two to the 2018 Trustpower National Community Awards.

The Tauranga community group winners. Photo/Supplied

"Every year, we're reminded of the benefits of bringing likeminded people from around the country together to connect, collaborate and celebrate at the Trustpower National Community Awards," she said.

An idea that was changing lives in one district can be implemented to great effect in another, Siely said.

"Often, groups are connected with the perfect person to help them bring an idea to life, or make a current initiative even better," she said.

"Every group can have these same opportunities with their neighbouring districts."

This year, Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District will celebrate their community spirit and the achievements of volunteers together at a shared event in Tauranga.

Each district will have its own Supreme Winner and award recipients, but the ideas and inspiration will extend out into the wider region.

Siely said host locations will alternate each year, and Trustpower will provide transport for groups from neighbouring districts.

Trustpower Community Awards:
- Open to all community organisations with a voluntary component
- Recipients are recognised for services to the community in areas including, but not limited to: Heritage and Environment; Health and Wellbeing; Arts and Culture; Sport and Leisure; Education and Child/Youth Development
- Anyone can enter a group – groups can even enter themselves.
- Enter online at trustpower.co.nz/communityawards
- Entries close Thursday, May 31