The new TECT Community Awards will be a celebration of individuals and groups who contribute to making the Western Bay of Plenty one of the greatest places to live.

TECT chairperson Bill Holland says the awards have been established to showcase the generosity of skills and spirit that happens in our sub-region.

'Through the application process for TECT funding, we get to see and hear about good, interesting and exciting initiatives and programmes—many of which are invisible to the wider Western Bay of Plenty community.

'The TECT community awards will provide an opportunity for the wider public to see and hear about these activities and to formally recognise and celebrate the people and groups who give so much.”

There are 6 categories open for nominations: Rising Star, Event Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, Sustainable Future, Volunteer of the Year, and Youth Spirit Award. There will also be a Supreme Award winner and Lifetime Service Award winner chosen from all 6 categories.

The TECT Community Awards will fill the gap that was left by the Trustpower Community Awards which was discontinued earlier this year.

Tauranga City Council community services general manager Gareth Wallis says, it's great TECT has ensured the community awards remain in the Western Bay of Plenty.

'We are very lucky to have many volunteers and community groups who work tirelessly to ensure our sub-region has a bright future. It's important to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate those people and the contribution they make.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council chief executive officer Miriam Taris says, community groups play an essential role in keeping the Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga thriving, and should be recognised for the hard work they do.

'Community groups are truly the backbone of our community. I encourage every group out there in the community to enter—it's a chance to be recognised and celebrated by your community for the amazing work you are doing.”

Bill says TECT makes transformational grants of around $9 million per year to the Western Bay of Plenty community and the TECT Community Awards will be a fantastic way to showcase the great work being done out there in the community—across a whole range of activities and causes.

'Since 1993, TECT has made over 3000 grants, totaling over $117 million to community groups and projects in the Western Bay of Plenty. From local sports clubs and annual community events, to major cycle tracks and emergency services, TECT is here, there and everywhere; at the heart of our community in the Western Bay of Plenty. We see how much good is being done out there, and we're looking forward to showcasing the groups that work so hard to create the thriving, caring, connected region that we live in.”

Any not-for-profit organisation in Tauranga and Western BOP can be nominated for the TECT Community Awards.

Nominations are due December 20, and can be submitted at www.tect.org.nz/page/community-awards.

The Awards take place on March 19 next year and will be a night when those who work behind the scenes in the community get a chance to take centre stage and be recognised for all their hard work.