The Hawea Community Association is among 10 national semifinalists nominated for community of the year in the 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.
The award acknowledges groups working together throughout the country to build stronger communities.
Association chairwoman Rachel Brown said the nomination was not just for the association's efforts but rather the whole community's, and it covered "wide-ranging" initiatives, projects and services that had been driven by volunteers in the Hawea district.
"It's good to acknowledge that and hope that we can keep that community spirit alive because I think it's the one thing that keeps people living here," Ms Brown said.
Hawea resident Colleen Carr said she lodged the nomination because there was "so much energy" being put into the "marvellous" Hawea community.
Three finalists from each award category will be announced on December 12.
