34 local do-gooders are set to be recognised for their impact on the Western Bay community after being named as finalists for the 2026 Western Bay Community Awards.
The awards are a chance to say thank you – to shine a light on those who uplift others, often quietly and without expectation. Whether it’s an individual who organises local clean-ups, the team behind a grassroots initiative, the not-for-profit community group driving meaningful change, a charitable organisation bringing attention to key community issues, or the young person leading with empathy and courage – these awards honour those who make our region a better place for all.
Held annually in March, the awards celebrate those making a meaningful impact across the community through seven categories focused on community events, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, volunteering and youth involvement, as well as those right at the heart of the community.
The 2026 Western Bay Community Awards are made possible through the support of award partners Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Their commitment reflects the spirit of the awards – helping to highlight and celebrate our local heroes dedicated to positive change.
Paul Geoghegan, Soifua Tupou, and Vicki Semple formed the 2026 judging panel, selecting the finalists from over a hundred outstanding nominations. This year’s finalists are a true reflection of the spirit that keeps our region thriving. As Paul Geoghegan put it, “A strong community makes life better for everyone. When people connect and support each other, amazing things happen – it’s how we solve most of the challenges we face.”
Previous winners say the recognition goes far beyond the awards night. 2025 Volunteer of the Year winner, Donna Pfefferle shared, “The awards exposure has resulted in people coming forward to help with additional donations or support to local projects in Waihī Beach. Being recognised as a finalist is amazing, but the awards itself has a lot of teeth and really shows what people can do when working together.”
The 34 finalists show exactly what that looks like in action. The awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the efforts of individuals, organisations and groups making a real difference in our community.
The finalists for the 2026 Western Bay Community Awards are:
Community Event Award
100th Katikati A&P Show
Katikati Festival of Cultures
Tauranga Diwali Festival
Tauranga Primary Schools’ Music Festival
Tauranga STEMFest
Sustainable Future Award
Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society
Rotoehu Ecological Trust
Space for Nature
STEAM-Ed Charitable Trust
Diversity and Inclusion Award
Bay of Plenty Sports and Cultural Club
Casita Community Shop
Momenta Charitable Trust
Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust
Youth Voices Action
Heart of the Community Award
Army of Aunties
Cancer Society WBOP – Tauranga Transport to Treatment Client Drivers
Good Bitches Baking Tauranga
Hunt for Good
Tauranga Miniature Railway
Youth Spirit Award
Blessing Pasi
Israel Tapuika Rota-Bond
JJ Niles
Malachi Steel
Spencer McNeil
Volunteer of the Year Award
Andrew McDowell
Bill Webb
Jason Rive
Julian Fitter
Sue Walsh
Best Collaboration Award
Here to Help U and Youth Voices Action
Live Well Waihī Beach and Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services
Surfing for Farmers
Under the Stars and Orange Sky
Young at Heart Festival
Locals will be able to learn more about each finalist when the online showcase goes live in the new year, featuring videos introducing all finalists. During this time, the community can also cast their vote in the People’s Choice Award throughout February.
The winners for each category will then be announced at the 2026 Western Bay Community Awards ceremony on Thursday, 19 March 2026 – an uplifting evening bringing together individuals from diverse sectors to celebrate and applaud the efforts that shape the Tauranga and Western Bay community.
The 2026 Western Bay Community Awards are made possible through the support of award partners Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, TECT, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Their commitment reflects the spirit of the awards – helping to highlight and celebrate our local heroes dedicated to positive change.
Invites for the awards ceremony will be sent to nominees, nominators, and finalists early next year, and the awards are also open to the general public. To learn more, visit: https://www.tect.org.nz/community-awards-2026/
