An initiative aimed at recognising the Lakes District's young volunteers has been launched by TrustPower and the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
The TrustPower Youth Community Spirit Award will recognise service by secondary school pupils to their schools and the community.
Nominations are being accepted for the inaugural award, which is open to all year 13 pupils at Wakatipu High School (Queenstown) and Mt Aspiring College (Wanaka).
Each school is asked to recommend one senior pupil for the award, with pupils, teachers and school staff all eligible to make nominations.
The nominated pupils will be required to speak to the judging panel, comprising representatives of the Queenstown Lakes District Council, the community and TrustPower.
To be considered for the youth award, pupils are required to have contributed widely as a pupil to their college or school, developed good relationships, treated others with respect and care, given service to school or community projects, and been a good ambassador for the college or school and the region.
The winner of the award will receive a framed certificate and $500 prize money, with $250 going directly to the pupil and $250 being given to a community group or organisation of the pupil's choice.
TrustPower community relations representative Melanie Gray said the TrustPower Queenstown Lakes District Community Awards had recognised voluntary groups and organisations for the past nine years.
The new award was developed to acknowledge the "enormous role" young people had in developing a "spirit of compassion and selflessness" in the community.
"Many young people are committed volunteers - be it within their sports clubs, music groups or community projects.
"The work these young people do positively enriches their community and this award aims to recognise and celebrate that," Miss Gray said.
Nominations close on July 17.
