Esplanade Scenic Railway wins top Trustpower Community Award

Trustpower in conjunction with Palmerston North City Council last night announced the winners of the Trustpower Community Awards with the Overall Winner going to the Esplanade Scenic Railway.

“The Esplanade Scenic Railway is an iconic venue that relies on its volunteer base and brings joy to many residents and visitors, young and old,” City Councillor and selection panel member Tangi Utikere said. “As the Supreme Winner they will represent our city well at Trustpower's National Awards in Dunedin next year.”

The Awards recognise voluntary groups or organisations for the valuable contribution they make to the community.

“The Awards are a good reminder that our city relies on the goodwill of volunteers who so freely give of their time, skills and energy,” Councillor Utikere said.

“It was a difficult decision to select winners amongst so many worthy groups, and I commend all those who were nominated for an award. It's great to have the opportunity to celebrate with Trustpower the good work and the contribution that all groups make to our wider community, and I congratulate all the category winners,” he said.

The Awards, which were held at a ceremony at the Palmerston North Convention Centre, recognised the past achievements or work undertaken by volunteers over the previous 12 months.

Winners are:

Winner Heritage & Environment: Human Aid Focus New Zealand

Runner Up: Pit Park People Society

Commendation: Green Bike Trust

Winner Health & Wellbeing: MenzShed Manawatū

Runner Up: Arohanui Hospice

Commendation: Just Zilch

Commendation: Palmerston North Operational Support NZ Fire Support

Winner Arts and Culture: Manawatū Woodworkers Guild Inc.

Runner Up: Manawatū Scottish No. 4A Pipe Band

Winner Sport & Leisure: Coastguard Manawatū

Runner Up: Manawatū Striders

Commendation: Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club

Winner Education & Child Youth Development: Plant to Plate Aotearoa

Runner Up: Financial Freedom Trust

Commendation: Social Socks Charitable Trust

Overall Winner: Esplanade Scenic Railway

Youth Spirit Award Winner: Amelia Horne

Youth Spirit Award finalist: Sarah Wood

Youth Spirit Award finalist: Colson Verdonk

Judges were representatives from the local community, PNCC and Trustpower. All award recipients take home a framed certificate with category winners receiving $500, runners up $250 and the Supreme Winner receiving $1,500, a trophy and an all-expenses paid trip for two representatives to attend the Trustpower National Community Awards.

The Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award is run in conjunction with the Trustpower Community Awards and is open to all Year 13 students to recognise and reward service to their school and community.

The winner of the Trustpower Youth Community Spirit Award receives a certificate and $250 prize money. They also get to donate another $250 to a voluntary group or organisation of their choice. The Spirit Awards started in 2009 and so far more than 100 amazing young people have been recognised and celebrated through the Awards.

ENDS

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