The Whakatane Kiwi Trust has been named the supreme award winner of this year's Trustpower Whakatane District Community Awards.

The trust was announced as the winner at a ceremony which saw more than 215 people turn out to celebrate voluntary groups at the Awakeri Events Centre last night.

Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne with members of the Whakatane Kiwi Trust and a representative from Trustpower.

Hinuera is one of the Kiwi birds being looked after by the Whakatane Kiwi Trust.

For winning the supreme award, Whakatane Kiwi Trust received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money.

Whakatane Kiwi Trust now has the opportunity to represent the district at the 2014 Trustpower National Community Awards, which are being held in Wellington in March 2015.

Trustpower Community Relations coordinator Suzi Luff says the judges could not look past this group whose work has improved the local biodiversity in the Whakatane and Ohope areas while growing sustainable populations of indigenous species and one very special type of bird.

'When you look back at how far the Whakatane Kiwi Trust has come. It's just mind blowing.

'From 1999, when eight North Island Brown Kiwi lived in the Ohope Scenic Reserve to now having over 300 kiwi living across the same reserve, it's clear this group has not only built up Whakatane's reputation as the Kiwi Capital of the World, but they have played a massive part in saving our national icon for future generations.”

Suzi says they've done this through a partnership with a specialist programme called Operation Nest Egg, where eggs were artificially incubated, and the chicks were reared in captivity until they reached the magic weight of 1000gms.

'They're monitoring the prized chicks of this bird, hosting regular avian aversion training sessions for dogs, running an extensive network of trap lines to capture pests, organising night walks so people can see and hear these birds, while also creating kiwi chick release events for people to learn about conservation.”

In total, Trustpower received 79 entries for this year's District community awards.

'The Whakatāne District is home to a large number of voluntary and community based groups and organisations who work hard to make the Whakatane District a great place to live,” says Suzi.

'The Trustpower Community Awards highlight and celebrate the huge contribution of these voluntary groups and thanks to the people who entered these groups, we are able to host the region's biggest celebration for voluntary groups that highlights their accomplishments, successes and services that these groups provide to their community.”

Other recipients at tonight's Trustpower Whakatane District Community Awards were:

Heritage and Environment

Runner-Up: Edgecumbe Development and Improvement Team Winner: Whakatane Kopeopeo Lions Club

Health and Well Being

Commendation: Plunket Whakatane

Commendation: Whakatane SPCA

Runner-Up: Eastern Bay of Plenty Riding for the Disabled

Winner: Taneatua Volunteer Fire Brigade

Arts and Culture

Runner-Up: Arts Whakatane

Winner: Theatre Whakatane Inc.

Sport and Leisure

Commendation: Bay of Plenty Motorcycle Club

Runner- Up: Whakatane Athletic & Harriers Club

Winner: Whakatane Surf Life Saving Club

Education and Child/Youth Development

Commendation: Whakatane Parents Centre

Runner-Up: Kingsley Scouts

Winner: Whakatane St John Youth Division

Supreme Winner

Whakatane Kiwi Trust

Youth Community Spirit

Winner: Brendan Jelley, Whakatane High School

Runner-Up: Kahu Kutia, Trident High School

Finalist: Marina Warren, Murupara Area School

Finalist: Pierce Te Whaiti, Edgecumbe College