The recent Masters' Games in Wanganui was a low-waste event because the trust took all the bio-degradable and recyclable waste produced and made sure it was composted or recycled.
It also runs events and workshops, supports other groups and has a far-reaching online forum.
The Trustpower Youth Community Spirit winner was Melissa Churchouse, from Wanganui Girls' College.
The school head girl has run weekly assemblies, led the prefect team and student council, and organised the school ball and an anti-bullying campaign. She also led and put many hours into her own performance at the school's last two Stage Challenge productions.
Outside of school, she's secretary for the Wanganui District Hunters and Stalkers Club and a competitive sportswoman, being part of the Wanganui swimming squad, and a life-saving instructor and examiner. In summer she patrols beaches with the Wanganui Surf Lifesaving Club.
She hopes to go to Whitireia Polytechnic, become a paramedic and be part of a rescue helicopter team.
Her award was partially sponsored by Wanganui District Council.
The youth award runner-up was Monty Blackwood from Wanganui Collegiate.
The awards had five categories, with the Sustainable Whanganui Trust taking out the heritage and environment section, with Wanganui Tramping Club runner-up.
Hospice Wanganui won the health and wellbeing section, with River City Events Volunteers runner-up and Women's Network Wanganui commended.
The arts and culture winner was Wanganui Opera Week, with Artists' Open Studios runner-up, while Wanganui Multisport and Triathlon Club came tops in sports and leisure, with Coastguard Wanganui runner-up and Kaierau Netball Club and Riding for the Disabled commended.
The education child/youth development category went to Springvale Playcentre, with Tawhero School Breakfast Crew as runner-up.
Trustpower runs similar awards elsewhere in New Zealand but this is the first year of the Wanganui competition following Trustpower's purchase of Energy Direct.