Mayor John Carter and deputy mayor Tania McInnes with Thérèse Wickbom and Inky Vink, representing the Bald Angels Charitable Trust, last year's supreme winner at the Far North Trustpower Community Awards.
Entries for the 2018 Far North Community Awards open on Monday, and this year the winners will be even more richly rewarded.
The awards, which recognise and reward the efforts of volunteers, were first presented 25 years ago, Trustpower community and communications adviser Abbie Siely saying the milestone had inspired
the company to increase the prize money.
"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 Trustpower Community Awards, and what they think we can do better," she said.
"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. That's why we've increased the prize money.
"This year the prize money in each category 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.
