Duntroon School's Home and School group claimed the major honours at the Trustpower Waitaki Community Awards, announced in the Oamaru Opera House last night.
The school's volunteer wing was recognised for its annual Dansey's Pass trail ride fundraiser, which regularly attracts 800 to 1000 riders to the area, promoting the district and raising funds for the school.
Trustpower community relations representative Kathlene Cook said Duntroon School was blazing a trail for others in the community.
"Schools are the heart of the community, and this is especially true for rural communities. The Duntroon School Home and School volunteers work tirelessly every year to put together the Dansey's Pass trail ride.
"The passion and hard work of the volunteers every year means Duntroon School can continue to attract high-calibre teaching staff and purchase new technologies for students.
"But this event means more than just money to this rural community.
"It means unity and community spirit. It provides an active and challenging activity for young and old. It is a community celebration of what their town means and who they are proud to be.''
Duntroon Home and School representatives, who were unaware they had won until last night's event, will represent the Waitaki district at the Trustpower National Community Awards in Rotorua in March.
More than 70 groups entered the judging process for the Waitaki awards. Trustpower gave away more than $5000 to various community groups at the function.
Other winners were: The Victorian Wardrobe, runner-up North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association (heritage and environment); St John Oamaru, runner-up Oamaru Pacific Charitable Trust (health and wellbeing); NZ Oamaru Live Stone Art Society, runner-up Oamaru Performing Arts Society (arts and culture); Mountain Biking North Otago, runner-up Palmerston Waihemo A & P Association (sport and leisure); Presbyterian Support Oamaru, runner-up Presbyterian Support Palmerston (education and child/youth development); Gypsy-Mae Harihona Harrison, runner-up Mackenzie Skene (youth spirit).
