Paihia NZ's top community

English visitors Connor Saunders and Charlotte Stone weren't surprised to hear of Paihia's award, saying they loved the town's relaxed atmosphere, cleanliness, waterfront park and flag trail.

The Bay of Islands town of Paihia has been named New Zealand's best community in the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

The award, Mitre 10 Community of the Year 2015, was announced at a function at Auckland's Langham Hotel last night.

The entry was organised by community trust Focus Paihia, which has spent the past six years beautifying and revitalising what had become a divided and dilapidated town.

The judges said Focus Paihia had positively changed its community by working to improve economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects of the town.

The group's projects include beautification of the Village Green, rebuilding of public toilets once described as the worst in New Zealand, and transforming a waterfront car park into an attractive and well-used public space now called Horotutu/Our Place.

Focus Paihia, however, stressed the entry was for Paihia as a whole. It included 16 volunteer groups ranging from the fire brigade to conservation groups, sports clubs, an op shop, Rotary, community patrol and a cruise ship committee, as well as a plethora of events which helped to inject life and build community spirit.

The euphoria of awards night was tinged with sadness for Focus Paihia members because the man largely responsible for preparing Paihia's entry, Andrew Thomson of Waitangi, died suddenly on Boxing Day, aged 78.

Among the travellers enjoying Paihia yesterday were Connor Saunders and Charlotte Stone from England.

They weren't surprised to hear about the town's award yesterday, saying they loved its relaxed atmosphere and mix of people. Miss Stone was especially impressed by Horotutu park, the flag trail and the town's cleanliness.

"It's very welcoming. It's a really nice town," she said.

Paihia's win will be celebrated with a community event at Horotutu at 5pm on Saturday, March 7.

The title of New Zealander of the Year went to Auckland philanthropist and businessman Stephen Tindall. Last year's winner was Kaitaia GP Lance O'Sullivan.

The chief judge, Cameron Bennett, is a former Northlander who began his career as a reporter for the Northern Advocate.

Full results

New Zealander of the Year: Stephen Tindall, Auckland. Community of the Year: Paihia. Young New Zealander of the Year: Guy Ryan, Wellington. Senior New Zealander of the Year: Donald Sew Hoy, Auckland. Innovator of the Year, Peter Beck, Auckland. Local Hero of the Year: Billie Jordan, Waiheke Island.