The tiny Gibbston community turned out in force on Monday night to celebrate its recent win in the 2011 New Zealander of the Year Awards.
Yesterday afternoon, before about 100 Gibbston residents and supporters gathered to celebrate, the New Zealand Transport Agency put up new signs at the entrances to Gibbston, now officially known as the 2011 Community of the Year.
Pizzas, wine and cheeses were on offer for those celebrating, all of which had been donated by local businesses.
A bouncy castle was available for children and Gibbston resident Ian Lightfoot provided musical entertainment, with the cost of the party underwritten by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Gibbston Community Association chairwoman Susan Stevens said she was ''absolutely blown away'' that the community - which boasts a population about the same size as most urban streets - had been recognised ahead of all others.
''It really isn't possible to describe what an inspiring and humbling experience it was, to be singled out for recognition among these amazing groups.''
Mrs Stevens said the other finalists - the Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust and the Aotea Family Support Group - were awe-inspiring.
The Gibbston Community Association was established in 1998 with the mission to ''protect, preserve and promote'' the community.
Every cent raised through subscriptions or fundraising went directly to community projects which, over time, had included the rescue of a 150-year-old orchard, the restoration of the historic Rum Curries Hut, the creation of a historic rest area and the preservation of archaeological sites.
