Nominations have opened for the 2027 Western Bay Community Awards.

The annual prizegiving recognises people, groups, events and projects that make a difference across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

It celebrates contributions ranging from volunteering and youth leadership to community events, sustainability initiatives and partnerships, organisers said.

Anyone can nominate a person, group, event, project, or organisation.

The seven categories are community event award, sustainable future award, diversity and inclusion award, heart of the community award, youth spirit award, volunteer of the year award and best collaboration award.

More than 30 finalists will be selected by a judging panel made up of local representatives.

The winners will be recognised at the 2027 Western Bay Community Awards ceremony in March.

Members of the community gather for the Western Bay Community Awards 2026 at Holy Trinity Tauranga to celebrate the finalists and winners.

The ceremony will also include a people’s choice award and a lifetime service award, which recognises an individual for their long-standing contribution to the region.

The awards celebrate the often behind-the-scenes work of people and organisations supporting their communities, including volunteers helping others, groups strengthening neighbourhoods, and projects delivering environmental or social benefits.

People who know someone who goes above and beyond for their community can now put their name forward to help recognise their contribution.

The annual awards are delivered in partnership by TECT Community Trust, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Nominations close on Friday, October 9.