The Western Bay of Plenty’s community spirit was proudly celebrated on Thursday 19 March, with nine outstanding individuals, groups and organisations recognised at the 2026 Western Bay Community Awards, held at Holy Trinity Tauranga.
Delivered in partnership by TECT, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the awards celebrate those who dedicate their time, energy and passion to strengthening communities across the Western Bay.
This year’s winners reflect the depth and diversity of community impact across the region from events that bring people together, to organisations protecting the environment, championing inclusion, supporting wellbeing, and acknowledging volunteers who give their time freely for others.
The 2026 Western Bay Community Awards winners are:
Community Event Award: 100th Katikati A&P Show
Sustainable Future Award: Rotoehu Ecological Trust
Diversity & Inclusion Award: Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust
Heart of the Community Award: Hunt for Good
Youth Spirit Award: Spencer McNeil
Volunteer of the Year Award: Jason Rive
Best Collaboration Award: Live Well Waihi Beach and Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services
People’s Choice Award: Army of Aunties
Lifetime Service Award: Bill Webb
The award recipients collectively highlight the strength of the Western Bay’s community sector.
The 100th Katikati A&P Show was recognised for its long‑standing role in bringing people town and country together, while Rotoehu Ecological Trust was acknowledged for its commitment to protecting the iconic North Island Kōkako and restoring the local environment for future generations.
The Diversity & Inclusion Award winner, Spectrum Connections Charitable Trust, was recognised for creating opportunities, connection and understanding within the community, while Hunt for Good, recipient of the Heart of the Community Award, was acknowledged for its generosity‑led approach to helping others by supplying protein to local foodbanks.
Live Well Waihi Beach and Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services received the Best Collaboration Award for the creation of an accessible changing room, highlighting the importance of partnership and shared effort in delivering positive outcomes for local communities. The People’s Choice Award, voted for by the public, was awarded to Army of Aunties, reflecting strong community support and connection.
On an individual level, Jason Rive was named Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and ongoing contribution to the Pukehina community, while Spencer McNeil received the Youth Spirit Award, recognising the meaningful impact he has already made at a young age for men’s mental health.
TECT Chair Mark Arundel said the awards celebrate people who quietly and consistently step up for their communities.
“These awards are about people who care deeply about their community and take action to make things better. The 2026 winners show what’s possible when passion, generosity and commitment come together. Their impact reaches far beyond their own organisations and into the lives of countless people across the Western Bay.”
One of the most significant honours of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Service Award to Bill Webb, recognising decades of dedication to volunteering and community leadership.
While Bill was unable to attend the awards in person, his contribution was warmly acknowledged on the night, with many reflecting on the lasting legacy of his service and the people he has supported over the years.
In a prerecorded acceptance message, Bill reflected on his volunteering journey.
“I’m both humbled and surprised to receive the Lifetime Service Award. I can think of many people who have done more than me for our community, but I must say volunteering has been a heck of a lot of fun.”
“I’ve found it far more rewarding than my time in the corporate sector, mainly because of the wonderful people you meet,” says Bill, “Volunteers are motivated, they genuinely want to give back, and working alongside people like that brings real joy. This recognition has truly blown me away thank you.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Youth Spirit Award winner Spencer McNeil represents the future of community leadership in the Western Bay. Despite his young age, Spencer has already made a positive impact through his commitment and willingness to contribute to improving mens’ mental health with his award recognising both what he has achieved so far and the potential of what lies ahead.
The 2026 Western Bay Community Awards served as a powerful reminder that community spirit remains one of the region’s greatest strengths. Showing that Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty are built by people who give their time, share their skills, and care deeply about the place they call home.
PHOTO: Bill Webb was pre-awarded the 2026 Lifetime Service Award at his home in Mount Maunganui.
