The awards, presented in Arrowtown, recognise the contribution of volunteers across the district and how they impact their communities.
Trustpower community relations representative Alice Boyd said the Luma Light Festival Charitable Trust - which organises the annual Luma Southern Light Project - was a stand-out.
``[It] is run entirely by volunteers and this year they had 117 people volunteering in some capacity, donating thousands of hours of their time.
``Volunteers ranged from long-time residents to new arrivals, professionals, tradespeople, travellers, retired people and local school students.''
The event is held annually over Queen's Birthday weekend, organised by the trust and volunteers.
It aims to create a fully sustainable, fully accessible, family-friendly public arts festival.
Held in the Queenstown Gardens, the event features illuminated art, light sculptures and entertainment. This year's festival comprised 36 installations and attracted more than 35,000 visitors over four days.
``Luma is all about connecting this community via a fully sustainable, fully accessible, family-friendly public arts festival.
The Luma trust received a framed certificate, trophy and $1500 prize money and will go on to represent the Queenstown Lakes district at the national community awards next April.
Other winners:
Youth community spirit: Danique Ehmann (Wakatipu High School).
Heritage and environment: Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust
Health and wellbeing: Baskets of Blessings.
Arts and culture: Festival of Colour, Wanaka.
Sport and leisure: Wanaka Trail Ride.
Education and child/youth development: Mt Aspiring College pupils in the community.
