Media release, for immediate release, 21 March 2013

Countdown Begins To National Community Awards
Tauranga And Western Bay Of Plenty Groups Get Ready To Tackle The Country’s Best

In just a couple of days Age Concern Tauranga Inc. and the Pirirakau Incorporated Society will go head to head with the country’s best and brightest voluntary groups and organisations at the TrustPower National Community Awards.

The 2012 TrustPower National Community Awards are being held in the Far North District from 22 - 24 March 2013.

Age Concern Tauranga Inc. is representing Tauranga city at the National Community Awards, while the Pirirakau Incorporated Society is representing the Western Bay of Plenty District. The two groups both won the Supreme Award at the regional TrustPower Community Awards.

Joining the two groups at the National Community Awards will be representatives from 22 other voluntary groups or organisations from around the country that were named Supreme Winner at their regional TrustPower Community Awards.

At the National Community Awards, Age Concern Tauranga Inc. and the Pirirakau Incorporated Society will each give an eight minute presentation on what the group has achieved and why they deserve the title of TrustPower National Community Awards Supreme Winner. The groups will be judged on that presentation, along with a 1,000 word summary of their organisation.

The presentations will take place on Saturday 22 March at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri, with the Winner and Runner-Up being announced at an Awards dinner that evening being held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

TrustPower Community Relations Representative Teresa Partridge says both groups have spent many hours preparing what are sure to be fantastic presentations for the TrustPower National Community Awards.

“The Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty communities should be really proud of what Age Concern Tauranga Inc. and the Pirirakau Incorporated Society have achieved and contributed to their communities. They will make wonderful ambassadors at the TrustPower National Community Awards,” says Mrs Partridge.

Attending the National Awards from Age Concern Tauranga Inc. is Michael Tyrer and Andrea Billingsley of Age Concern Tauranga Inc, along with Tauranga City Councillor Bill Faulkner and his wife Barbara. Representing Pirirakau Incorporated Society is Tommy Wilson and Julie Sparham, along with Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Ross Paterson and his wife Robyn.

The TrustPower National Community Awards Supreme Winner will take home $2,500, a framed certificate, a trophy and a $500 voucher from Exult, a leading and specialist training provider for the community sector. The Runner Up will receive $1,500, a framed certificate and a $200 voucher from Exult.

ENDS

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