KaiMatariki to represent Far North in Trustpower National Community Awards

KaiMatariki Trust will represent the Far North District on a national stage later this month, when voluntary groups gather in Tauranga for the Trustpower National Community Awards.

KaiMatariki Trust will represent Far North District on a national stage later this month, when voluntary groups from around New Zealand gather in Tauranga for the Trustpower National Community Awards.

Joining the trust from March 29 to 31 will be representatives from 25 other voluntary groups and organisations who were all named Supreme Winner at their respective regional Trustpower Community Awards.

All are in the competition for the title of Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner.

KaiMatariki Trust members will give an eight-minute presentation sharing their story, achievements, and why they deserve the title of the Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner.

Some of the guest judges this include Rhodes Scholar and 2017 runner-up in the NZ Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards, Johann Go, co-founder of Good Neighbour, Cam Hill, GM of Tauranga Women's Refuge, Hazel Hape, and previous National Supreme Winner, Bruce Knight, from the Edgecumbe Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The presentations will take place on March 30 at Holy Trinity Tauranga. The Supreme Winner, Runner-Up and recipient of the Whetū Mātaiata Award will then be announced at an awards dinner that evening at Mills Reef.

This year Trustpower will also be presenting a special award, the Trustpower Award, which will go to a group that embodies one or more of the values the company aspires to. These include the current P.R.I.I.D.E values (passion, respect, integrity, innovation, delivery, empower), plus a focus on continuous improvement.

Trustpower Community and Communications Advisor Abbie Siely said KaiMatariki Trust stood out in their local competition for their work developing the potential and possibilities for youth at a local and international level.

"KaiMatariki Trust has gained an international reputation as a leader in the preservation and celebration of indigenous culture through its focus on traditional Māori games and customs. Recent achievements include an invitation to an international kite flying festival in Italy, hosting First Nations Cree for Waitangi Day celebrations, and teaching Māori games at Leiden University in The Netherlands, just to name a few. These guys really know how to put on a show and we cannot wait to be entertained and inspired by them in Tauranga," Siely said.

The Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner will take home a custom-made trophy by Tauranga artist Charlie Clegg, $4000 in prize money, a $1000 voucher from Exult (one of New Zealand's leading training providers for the community sector), and a framed certificate.

The Runner-Up will receive $2500 in prize money, a $500 Exult voucher, and a framed certificate. The Trustpower Award recipient will receive $1000 in prize money, and a framed certificate. The Whetū Mātaiata Award (a group with strong potential who will benefit from additional support) recipient receives a framed certificate and a consultancy service package from Exult.