Community organisations from Tararua, Palmerston North and Whanganui will share in an increased prize pool when entries for the Trustpower Community Awards open on Monday, March 5.
Prizemoney for a community award will double to $1000, with regional supreme winners receiving $2000, up from $1500 last year, but this year there will be no Tararua awards evening, instead, just one awards evening in Palmerston North.
Trustpower community and communications adviser Alice Boyd said this year Palmerston North, Tararua and Whanganui would celebrate their community spirit and the achievements of volunteers at a shared event in Palmerston North, with each district having its own supreme winner and award recipients.
"Host locations will alternate each year and Trustpower will provide transport for groups from neighbouring districts.
"Over the past year, we've met with councils, attendees, past and present winners and the wider community to find out what people value most about the awards and what they think we can do better.
"While it's clear 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.
"That's why we've increased the prizemoney available to award recipients."
• Enter online at www.trustpower.co.nz/community awards. Entries close Thursday, May 31.