Nominations now open for Civic Awards and Youth Excellence Awards
Published on August 01, 2025
Do you know a local legend, coach, committee member, community wrangler or quiet achiever?
Someone who builds, fixes, drives, organises, fundraises or simply shows up – rain or shine – to support others? Maybe it’s the person who’s always behind the scenes making things happen, or a young person already doing amazing things in their field?
Now’s the time to shine a light on them.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Civic Awards and Youth Excellence Awards. This is your chance to celebrate the local legends and rising stars who make Horowhenua a better place for us all.
Civic and Youth Excellence Awards honour people who give their time, energy and heart to our communities – from long-serving volunteers and unsung community heroes, to inspiring rangatahi leading the way in sport, the arts, academia and community service.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the awards are a powerful way to recognise those who uplift others.
“These are the people who roll up their sleeves and get things done – not for recognition, but because they believe in their community. They’re the glue that holds us together, and these awards are about saying: ‘Thank you, we see you, and Horowhenua is better because of you’.”
He says the Youth Excellence Awards celebrate the next generation of changemakers.
“Our rangatahi are achieving extraordinary things – and they’re just getting started. These awards recognise their talent, drive, and commitment, and encourage them to keep reaching for more.”
The awards support the aims of Horowhenua District Council’s Community Wellbeing Strategy by helping to strengthen community pride, connection and belonging. By recognising the achievements of our people, we help create a district where everyone feels seen, valued and supported.
How to nominate
These awards are for the everyday legends – the people who quietly go about making life better for others.
Anyone can nominate. Whether you’re a teacher, coach, committee member or neighbour – if you know someone who deserves recognition, we’d love to hear from you.
Don’t wait or assume someone else will do it – this is your chance to say thank you and give them the recognition they deserve.
Nomination forms and full criteria are available online at:
If you need help with your nomination, call 06 366 0999 or email community@horowhenua.govt.nz
Who can be nominated?
Civic Awards
The Civic Awards honour individuals and/or volunteer groups who have made a significant, unpaid contribution to community life.
Nominees can be acknowledged in areas such as:
- Community, cultural or religious affairs
- Service to youth, recreation or education
- Service to conservation.
Youth Excellence Awards
Open to young people aged 12 to 24, these awards celebrate excellence in:
- Community service
- Academia
- Arts and culture
- Sport
Up to 16 scholarships of $500 will be awarded in 2025. Since the initiative began more than 20 years ago, more than 260 young people across Horowhenua have received Youth Excellence Awards.
“These scholarships help open doors – whether it’s funding study, travel for competitions or the tools young people need to keep growing,” Mayor Bernie says.
Previous nominees who were not selected are welcome to reapply.
Nominations close on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 11:59pm.
Award recipients will be announced at a special ceremony on Tuesday 18 November.
Photo caption:
Youth Excellence Awards 2024 winners. Recipients, awarded for their outstanding achievements in academia, sport, arts and culture, and community service:
Back row from left to right: Lazzoryss Tovo (Sport), Isabel Paroli (Academia), Cole Campbell (Academia), Mayor Bernie Wanden, Ataahua Hirini (Arts and Culture), Steffani Miradores (Academia), Torina Ngaluafe (Community Service), Minnie Collins (Sport), Amelie Williamson (Arts and Culture) and Heer Patel (Academia).
Front row from left to right: Bear Starstrider (Community Service), Thea Pacure (Academia), Myah Snow (Arts and Culture), Jorja Horn (Sport), Rawiri Tristram-Brown (Sport), Irene Vehikite (Arts and Culture) and Johnathon Kipa-Tahu (Sport).