They also hold weekly computer classes where members are encouraged to write their life stories, have started their own website, host schools and clubs learning about the town and help people research their family history.
Runner-up - The Northland Firehouse Museum Trust (Okaihau).
The trust, described by founder Brian Denton as a hobby that got out of control, acquires, restores and displays fire appliances, along with uniforms, helmets, rank markings, badges and patches, fire safety items and a special September 9/11 exhibit.
A website has been established and the museum has hosted clubs, school parties and community groups from around New Zealand and from more than 20 other countries.
Winner - Heritage Kaikohe.
The citation described the museum as a resource to the community, delivering events and programmes that develop community pride and identity for schools, churches and other community groups. It was a professional museum so undertook some stewardship tasks on behalf of smaller museums, historical societies and marae.
Many of the museum's buildings held heritage status in their own right, while the collection of more than 20,000 items was being repacked and materials entered in a database designed by the volunteers. Other volunteers restored and maintained the old machinery displays, maintained the extensive museum grounds, chopped firewood, maintained and drove the heritage railway, and assisted with catering, guiding and fundraising events.
Health and Wellbeing
Runner-up - Bay of Islands SPCA.
"The Bay of Islands SPCA believes in a community where all animals should be respected and are protected from all forms of cruelty and neglect. It is these beliefs that see the volunteers helping day in and day out to make sure animals are treated fairly," the citation stated.
An "incredible 300 members" were supported by a core group of 70 volunteers, one major project being the funding, construction and on-going operation of the dog/ puppy shelter at Waipapa and a separate cat/kitten adoption facility at the SPCA centre on Waimate North Road.
Winner - KUP (Kaitaia Union Parish) Kitchen.
KUP Kitchen goes to work once a week, providing free cooking classes to community groups and individuals so they can prepare nutritious meals on a budget. The most is made of fresh local foods that are in season. Participants are encouraged to share their own cooking, cost-saving and nutritional practices to encourage self-sufficiency and self-fulfilment.
Volunteers are involved with everything from designing classes and planning equipment requirements to sourcing ingredients, liaising with community groups, providing budget recipe books and helping run holiday cooking programmes for children.
Arts and Culture
Runner-up - Kaikohe Community Arts Council.
In a typical year this group will host two or three Creative New Zealand concerts, plays or shows as well as at least one major art or cultural event that the whole community can take part in. Special projects over the past year included a humorous children's show staged over the Easter holidays, a one-woman musical show and Sculpture in the Vines.
Winner - The Aroha Music Society (Kerikeri).
In the past the society has offered some local lower decile schools music appreciation through the Orff methodology, while in the past year it brought some exceptional classical music performers to the region, as well as staging a Baroque music and dance workshop.
Sport and Leisure
Runner-up - the Hokianga Sailing Trust.
Nine dedicated members deliver maritime education through sailing programmes in schools and weekend classes, the latter including social racing where budding young sailors can test their new skills.
The volunteers dedicate a great deal of their time and energy to teaching the craft to local youth, while the construction of a boatshed to house the fleet of Optimist, Sunburst and Laser sailing dinghies, which will also be used by the local Coastguard as a secure location for its rescue boat and a space for students to take woodwork classes and practise their boating skills, has been a major project.
Winner - The Kaikohe Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
The association's annual show is the big event of the year. Over the past 80 years the association has developed a unique community asset which is supported by a number of other organisations that use the facilities, including polocrosse and pony clubs and motor home associations.
Education and Child Youth Development Runner-up - SeniorNet Doubtless Bay, which, with a core of 11 volunteers, is on a mission to provide older adults with education and access to computer technologies to enhance their lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom with the wider community.
While initially courses have a focus on email and internet members are also able to access a variety of new technologies such as iPads, smartphones and digital cameras, as well as taking courses in typing and how to use Trade Me and Skype.
Many of the students are using their new skills for the benefit of others in their own voluntary fields.
Winner - Kingsfire (Omapere/Opononi).
Kingsfire was established in September 2010, and in the short time since has had a significant impact on the local community. It provides weekly youth-focused fun events from a converted shed, with youth participants coming from as far east as Waima and as far west as Waimamaku.
Activities range from pool, ping pong, singing, fishing and team challenges to possum shooting and skateboarding, with a barbecue dinner and a ride home. At least twice a term volunteers arrange visits to other youth groups. They also host an annual skate competition and have organised an inaugural youth conference with motivational speakers and a band.
