Prize money increased for Far North Community Awards

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.

"The Far North boasts some incredibly talented and effective community organisations," she added.

"Previous supreme winners Bay Bush Action continue to make a huge impact for their community and the environment. This year, we're excited to have the Bald Angels Charitable Trust representing the Far North (at the national awards in Queenstown over April 13-15).

"We know that increasing the prize money will help groups like these bring real change to their communities."

The Far North awards will be presented in Paihia in September, with transport provided for people travelling from other towns.

The awards are open to all community organisations with a voluntary component, in the categories of heritage and environment, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, sport and leisure, education and child/youth development.

Anyone can enter a group, including the group themselves. Entries close (at www.trustpower.co.nz/communityawards) on May 31.