Kāpiti Good Sort Awards and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards are back and ready to celebrate our local heroes

Kāpiti Coast District Council is calling for nominations for two annual awards that celebrate people and groups who make a real difference in our community.

The Kāpiti Good Sorts Awards recognise individuals who show leadership, compassion, and a genuine commitment to supporting others, while the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards celebrate community groups helping to make Kāpiti a great place to live, work, and play.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says both awards recognise the everyday efforts of people who go above and beyond to keep our community safe, connected, healthy and thriving.

“The awards are an opportunity to give back to our unsung heroes and provide a spotlight to celebrate their inspiring stories and mahi in a meaningful way,” says Mayor Holborow.

“Many of our residents are doing it tough right now, and to have community-minded people across Kāpiti filling gaps in areas such as housing, food, mental health, recreation and emergencies is something that deserves recognition.

“Last year’s Good Sorts awards saw nominations from fire services and farming to environmental leadership and business. These were people stepping up, supporting others, and creating lasting impact where it matters most.”

The Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards celebrate the work of community groups and are given in six categories: arts and culture, education and child/youth development, health and wellbeing, heritage and environment, and sport and leisure. There is also a rising star category for emerging groups.

The finalists for each of the categories in our district progress to the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards later in the year.

Last year saw the Māoriland Charitable Trust take out both the regional Supreme Award and the Arts and Culture Award, and the Ōtaki Kids Market receive the Education and Child/Youth Development Award.

“We all know a good sort or community group doing good deeds in our district every day,” says Mayor Holborow. 

“I encourage people to nominate theirs and help them get the recognition they deserve.”

Kāpiti Good Sorts and Wellington Airport Regional Community Award nominations can be made on Council’s website by 5pm, Wednesday 31 May.