This year’s annual council awards were presented at the Kaitangata Community Centre on June 18, celebrating individuals, groups and year 13 students whose volunteer work has strengthened communities across the district.
The Recreational and Leisure Award also went to the Kaka Point Community Group, recognising the equivalent of four years of volunteer time invested in the project and tipping them up to the top prize.
Mayor Jock Martin said the awards recognised people whose efforts often took place behind the scenes.
"We are lucky to have so many champions among us. People who drive projects, inspire others and create positive change that benefits us all."
Awards organiser Sonia Farquharson said the calibre of nominations reflected the strength of volunteering throughout the district.
"As a council we are very proud to support the awards that highlight the meaningful work that is taking place across the district," she said.
Health and Wellbeing Award recipient Knit and Yarn was recognised for producing handmade clothing for babies and young children since 2009, supporting hospitals in Auckland and Invercargill and children overseas.
Eight individual awards and the Youth Spirit Award were also bestowed.
Winning community groups each received $1000, individual youth recipients $750 and merit award recipients $350. The supreme award carried an additional $2000 prize.
AWARDS
CDC 2026 Community Services Awards
Supreme Award: Kaka Point Community Group
Recreational and Leisure Award: Kaka Point Community Group
Individual Awards:
Nathan White
Salu Hakeelah Tuia
Iosefa Setu
Jeannine Basquin
Joel Crook
Kirsty Nicol
Sue Harrex and Pam Hunter
Youth Spirit Award: Jorja Andrews
Certificates of Merit: Bella Paterson and Rashaun Melvin
