Rotorua Community Awards (+video)

Volunteers of the Empowered Learning Trust receiving their award last night (from left) trustees Karen Barker, Yvonne Hathaway, mayor Steve Chadwick, trustee Kathy Cane and TrustPower's Graeme Purches. Photo/Ben Fraser

More than 180 people gathered at the Rotorua Convention Centre to celebrate the hard work of local businesses and individuals striving to better their community.

The Trustpower Rotorua District Community Awards, formerly the Spirit of Rotorua Awards, were held last night and were presented by Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick and Trustpower Community relations manager Graeme Purches.

The Empowered Learning Trust was named the Supreme Winner of the night for their tireless work providing an Irlen and Vision screening programme for Year 4 pupils across rural Rotorua.

The group of volunteering rural mothers received a framed certificate, trophy and $1500 prize money.

Trustee Yvonne Hathaway told the Rotorua Daily Post last night they were overwhelmed.

"Our vision is to raise awareness and this is the perfect platform."

Ms Hathaway said the potential for change was huge.

"We have already helped a third of rural children with Irlen syndrome and it had impacted their education immensely."

The Empowered Learning Trust will go on to represent the district at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards held in Wellington early next year.

Mrs Chadwick said it was incredible what a group of inspired, passionate and caring volunteers could achieve.

"The Empowered Learning Trust and their screening programme is reaching children and families in rural Rotorua and ensuring they are best equipped to make the most of educational opportunities.

"It's an exciting model with a lot of potential to be replicated in other areas of New Zealand."

Other award recipients for each category were the Rotorua Museum for Heritage and Environment, Citizens Advice Bureau Rotorua for Health and Wellbeing, Rotorua Friends of the Library for Arts and Culture, Rotorua Anglers Association for Sports and Leisure, Rerewhakaaitu Playcentre for Education and Child Development and Kimberley Burr for Youth Spirit.