Community Awards 2024

The Western Bay Community Awards are returning to Baycourt on
Thursday, 21 March 2024!

Nominations for the 2024 Western Bay Community Awards are now open.

Nominate a deserving community group or volunteer below.

The Western Bay Community Awards bring together all those who are involved in the Western Bay's community and volunteer sector; to celebrate and acknowledge their incredible community work that is helping make the Western Bay of Plenty one of the greatest places to live.

The Western Bay Community Awards are delivered by TECT, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Nominate a deserving Community Group or Volunteer here

Nominations for the Western Bay Community Awards 2024 are open from Friday 1 September 2023 - Tuesday 31 October 2023 for all six award categories.

Following the nomination period, finalists will be announced via an online showcase event over six weeks on TECT's Facebook page, which will then be culminated with the awards ceremony at Baycourt on Thursday 21 March 2024, where the winners will be announced.

All award nomination information is available below.

Who is Eligible for the Western Bay Community Awards?

Any not-for-profit organisation or volunteer in the Western Bay of Plenty can be nominated for the Western Bay Community Awards.

Groups do not have to have received funding from any of the funders to be nominated/nominate. The Awards are based on activities undertaken in the previous 12 months (1 November 2022 - 31 October 2023).

Who Can Nominate a Group for the Awards?

Anyone can make a nomination in any of the 6 award categories.

Nominators do not need to be directly associated with the group/person being nominated.

What are the Categories?

The Western Bay Community Awards are divided into six categories. If, in the view of the judges, an entry meets the criteria for consideration under another category, the judges reserve the right to transfer the entry to that category.

Event Excellence Award – Recognising an event that has excelled in bringing our community together.
Sustainable Future Award – Recognising a group demonstrating climate-related practices through either projects that protect or improve the environment or sustainability-focused thinking and action within the organisation’s operations.
Diversity and Inclusion Award – Recognising an innovative initiative which supports diversity and inclusion within our community.
Heart of the Community Award – Recognising a group that has gone above and beyond business as usual to support a thriving, caring and connected community.
Youth Spirit Award – Recognising an individual under 25 who embodies community spirit by contributing to the community.
Volunteer of the Year Award – Recognising an individual who has significantly contributed to the community.

A People's Choice Award will open in February for the general public to vote on their favourite finalist.

A Lifetime Service Award winner will also be announced on the awards show night.

How Are the Awards Judged?

A panel made up of community representatives judge the nominated entries. The key criteria considered by the judges are:

Impact on community - Benefit of service/project on the wider community.
Innovation and creativity - Utilises innovative ideas and new approaches.
Effectiveness of activities - Success of service, achievement or objectives.
Use of resources - Cost effectiveness, sustainability, and volunteering involvement and commitment.
Collaboration – Evidence of collaboration and partnerships.