Entries open for iwi awards

Angus Douglas, Awatere Douglas, Harata Douglas, Zarna Douglas, Matangiroa Flavell (award recipient for Outstanding Te Arawa Rangatahi Achiever of the Year), Moana Douglas, Erena Hond-Flavell and Te Ururoa Flavell at last year's awards.

Nominations are open for this year's Te Arawa Awards and anyone of Te Arawa descent can be put up for recognition.

Te Papa Takaro o Te Arawa presents the Te Arawa Awards to acknowledge the tribe's contribution to Te Arawa and wider communities.

Event co-ordinator Jess Massey said they were looking for nominations from a grassroots level through to international successes. "We really want to focus on getting a big range and acknowledging those who have come from a grassroots level," she said.

The awards comprise three categories: Te Arawa Rangatahi Achievement Awards, Te Arawa Sports Awards and Te Arawa Iwi Awards.

"The [rangatahi] awards will encourage and promote participation, future opportunities, leadership and interaction in a positive environment while providing rangatahi with incentives to fulfil their potential and take in the talents and abilities they possess.

"The sports awards recognise Te Arawa sportsmen and women nationally and internationally who show regional, national and international success and excellence in eight different sporting categories.

"The iwi awards recognise our whanau, our hapu and our iwi contributions to building a better Te Arawa as well as raising the collective well-being of Te Arawa through the category."

We really want to focus on getting a big range and acknowledging those who have come from a grassroots level.

Jess Massey, co-ordinator

Miss Massey said in addition to the iwi awards there was a Te Arawa Hall of Fame and Roll of Honour, where individuals and/or groups who had made a significant contribution to Te Arawa through outstanding achievements would be celebrated and appropriately honoured.

"We encourage you to nominate your whanau, marae, hapu, friends or anyone who you think is deserving," she said.

To nominate, head to www.arawanation.com - nominations are open until July 25.

The award ceremony will be held at Te Puia on Friday, September 23 at 6pm.