The enthusiastic volunteer community of Ōtara-Papatoetoe will be celebrated at the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Volunteer awards 2023.
A community filled with dedicated and passionate volunteers who share a genuine empathy for their neighbours, the people, families, and community matters, the board is looking forward to recognising their efforts.
Nominations are open now and close June 23, 2023. Nominate here.
Each organisation may submit a maximum of five nominations.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, "We strongly encourage new nominations and those who have not yet been recognised.
"There has been a great deal that has happened in the last several years, and each time we see it, we are moved by the enthusiastic volunteer community that always rises to the occasion and are willing to help. They are fully committed to the cause, are deeply passionate and have a genuine empathy for the people”.
ŌtaraPapatoetoe Local Board chair, Apulu Reece Autagavaia
Recognition & Eligibility
- Individuals who volunteer their time for community benefit and have not been recognised previously;
- Children and Young People, 18 years and under, who volunteer their time for community benefit;
- Not-for-profit organisations or local community groups who volunteer their time for community benefit and/or provide a platform for individuals to volunteer their time too;
- Must currently reside within the boundaries of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board area (map found here) and contribute to developing the local community; or be located outside the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area however, support initiatives that benefit the communities within the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area;
- Contributions made during the period 01 May 2021 to 01 April 2023.
Award Categories
More than one award per category may be granted:
- Arts - a person or organisation demonstrating commitment, long service and making a difference to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe arts scene.
- Sports - a person or organisation going above and beyond to make their sport, club, or team a success on or off the field.
- Community service (local heroes) – those individuals making a difference to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe community. These are our ‘good sorts’.
- Culture - demonstrating leadership and commitment to preserving, celebrating, and enhancing the cultural diversity and heritage in the local area.
- Young person making a difference (under 18 years old) - demonstrating community service or who have helped their peers in a significant manner.
- Seniors (over 65 years old) – to recognise the outstanding and continuing contributions that senior volunteers make.
- Environment: voluntary work influencing the enhancement and sustainability of the natural environment in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe area.
- COVID-19 - special category: recognising individuals or groups who have made contributions through their voluntary work during the COVID-19 lockdowns and recovery periods in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe area.
- Weather events - special category: recognising individuals or groups who have made contributions through their voluntary work during the weather events (notably the 2021 tornado, the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend floods, Gabrielle storm and Auckland’s state of local emergency on May 9, 2023) and recovery periods in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe area.
Apulu concludes, "The year has started out rough with the weather putting a damper on most of our events and affecting many families, in addition to the challenging decisions that we'll make as a result of the Annual Budget; however, this board will continue to honour its community. Let’s help give back to those who selflessly give their all to volunteer in our community”.
Previous ŌtaraPapatoetoe Local Board Volunteer awards
Details of the ceremony will be released closer to the day.
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