Aroha Kaikorai Valley team members gather around the "Taylor Community Pride Shield", which they received at last year's Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards for their efforts to improve the health of Kaikorai Valley Stream through removing rubbish, gorse and broom, planting, and trapping pests. PHOTO: BRENDA HARWOOD

Nominations are open for the Keep Dunedin Beautiful Awards, which celebrate the Dunedin people who care for the city’s environment.

The annual awards recognise schools, community groups, businesses and individuals for projects committed to beautifying the city’s built and natural environment through volunteer action and sustainable business practices.

Anyone can nominate anyone — self-nominations are welcome.

A successful nomination should demonstrate at least one or more of the following attributes:

• Environmental impact — Actions that improve or protect the local environment, such as waste reduction, native planting, restoration projects or graffiti removal.

• Creativity and innovation — Unique or original approaches to making the community a cleaner, greener and more beautiful space.

• Sustainability and long-term benefits — Projects that contribute to ongoing environmental improvement or community resilience.

• Community engagement and collaboration — Efforts that involve teamwork, inspire participation and strengthen local connections.

Nominations close on Friday, July 24.

To find the link for nominations, visit the Keep Dunedin Beautiful page on Facebook. — Allied Media