Nominations open for TECT awards

Oropi School's garden to table programme won two awards this year.

If there's a volunteer or community group that you think is making an impact in the Western Bay of Plenty, now is the time to nominate them for a TECT Community Award.

TECT Chairperson Bill Holland says the awards recognise and celebrate those groups and volunteers who keep the region thriving, showcasing their work online to thousands of people and via a special awards evening.

'We have so many unsung heroes in our region working quietly in the background, making our community a better place to live,” says Bill.

'Whether that be feeding those in need, caring for our environment, supporting people's wellbeing or hosting events that keep us connected, it is time to shine the spotlight on these people and groups and thank them for all they do.”

Nominations open this week and the six categories open for nominations are: Event Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainable Future, Heart of the Community, Youth Spirit and Volunteer of the Year Award.

There will also be a Lifetime Service Award winner chosen from the Volunteer of the Year Award nominations.

The People's Choice Award is also back, allowing the general public to vote for their top pick from all of the finalists. Voting for the People's Choice Award will open in February.

Oropi School's garden-to-table programme won two awards at the most recent TECT Community Awards, winning the Sustainable Future Award and People's Choice Award.

Oropi School Principal Andrew King says being nominated for the awards is an honour.

'The nomination recognised how valued the garden-to-table programme is,” says Andrew.

'To be affirmed with not just one but two awards was incredibly humbling for all of the people involved in our project.

'It is so nice to have this opportunity that places value in initiatives that grow and enable our communities to flourish.”

The TECT Community Awards 2022 are hosted by TECT in partnership with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Garry Webber says the recent lockdown has once again demonstrated how volunteers and community groups are the backbone of our region.

'Lockdown has shown just how incredible our volunteers and community organisations are, and how they shine when we need them most,” says Garry.

'The TECT Community Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate and recognise the thankless work they put in for the benefit of others.”

Garry encourages anyone whose life has been touched by an incredible volunteer or community organisation to nominate them.

Any not-for-profit organisation and volunteer in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty can be nominated for the awards, and self-nominations are also encouraged.

Nominations close on Friday, October 29, and can be submitted at: www.tect.org.nz/community-awards-2022

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