Nominations are being sought for the 2023 Community Honours Awards, which recognise individuals and/or organisations who have carried out meritorious voluntary community service in the Ashburton District.

Mayor Neil Brown says the awards are an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the valuable and important work of our volunteers.

“We have a lot of incredible people from diverse backgrounds who work so selflessly for the benefit of others and it's important to show them how much the community appreciates what they do."

Individuals or organisations can be nominated in any of the following categories:

Mayor’s Award for Public Service - The Mayor’s Award for Public Service is the highest civic honour bestowed by the Council. Mayor’s Awards are given to people who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the district. The award recognises the recipients as stewards of the district and as people of special note.

Ashburton Medal - The Ashburton Medal honours the significant achievement of individuals or teams who have been very successful in their chosen field and who have made an outstanding contribution to the district as a whole, or outstanding national or international achievements.

Civic Awards - Civic Awards recognise substantial service, usually of a voluntary nature or beyond normal employment, benefiting Ashburton District and its people. The nominees will have generally carried out predominantly voluntary work but payment for services will not necessarily disqualify receiving an award. Substantial service includes short‐term or long‐term projects or activities that have benefited the whole of the district adding to the quality of life of residents. In exceptional circumstances an award may be granted to a non‐resident of Ashburton, if the service has been carried out in Ashburton District.

Selecting the recipients from the nominations will be Mayor Brown, Deputy Mayor Liz McMillan and Councillors Leen Braam, Carolyn Cameron and Lynette Lovett.

Mayor Brown said the awards' sub-committee is looking for individuals and/or organisations who, through their volunteer work, helped make the community more welcoming, vibrant and inclusive.

“I know there are many people who work tirelessly to support others and those new to our community to settle and feel more at home; many are volunteers from a variety of cultures who offer their skills and time to support community members. As our district continues to welcome people from diverse backgrounds, it would be great to see some of these volunteers awarded for the work they do."

Nominations are open until Friday 25 August 2023 and volunteers of any age can be nominated.

Nominations can be made by organisations, associations, societies or clubs with two members as nominators. Volunteering can include being involved in organisations like school boards, managing or coaching sports teams, assisting with church activities, conversation projects, helping in the health, elderly or social service sector, being a leader or helper with a youth organisation or giving your time in the area of art, culture or heritage.

The nominee does not have to know they have been put forward but if selected their agreement is required before an award is made. The names and information on those not selected remain confidential.

Mayor Brown says each time the awards are held he learns more and more about the district's dedicated volunteers who not only gift their time but also their knowledge and skills. "Let's celebrate our wonderful volunteers, their diverse backgrounds and contributions in our community."

Nomination can be completed online via the Council website or hardcopies can be collected from Council offices.