Under the Stars – Homeless in Tauranga will represent Tauranga on a national stage later this month, when voluntary groups from around New Zealand gather right here in Tauranga for the Trustpower National Community Awards from March 29 -31.

Joining them will be representatives from 25 other voluntary groups and organisations who were all named Supreme Winner at their respective regional Trustpower Community Awards.

Everyone will come together to celebrate their achievements, learn from one another, and partake in friendly competition for the title of Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner.

Under the Stars – Homeless in Tauranga will give an eight minute presentation sharing their story, their achievements, and why they deserve the title of the Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner.

Some of the guest judges this year include Rhodes Scholar and 2017 runner-up in the NZ Youth Volunteer of the Year Awards, Johann Go, co-founder of Good Neighbour, Cam Hill, GM of Tauranga Women's Refuge, Hazel Hape, and previous National Supreme Winner, Bruce Knight, from the Edgecumbe Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The presentations will take place on Saturday 30 March at Holy Trinity Tauranga. The Winner, Runner-Up and recipient of the Whetū Mātaiata Award will then be announced at an awards dinner that evening at Mills Reef.

This year Trustpower will also be presenting a special award, the Trustpower Award, which will go to a group that embodies one or more of the values the company aspires to. These include the current P.R.I.I.D.E values (passion, respect, integrity, innovation, delivery, empower), plus a focus on continuous improvement.

Groups will have the opportunity to network, share ideas, and take in some of the scenery from around the beautiful Tauranga Moana, which is also home to Trustpower's head office.

Trustpower Community and Communications Advisor Abbie Siely says Under the Stars stood out at their local awards for their contribution to the welfare of Tauranga's most vulnerable residents.

'Under the Stars tackles the challenging, emotional and often undiscussed issue of homelessness head on, offering practical assistance paired with kindness and compassion to people who have found themselves in a situation many of us couldn't imagine.

'Every Saturday night volunteers collect donated foods and put together a hot meal. Guests are offered showers – sometimes their only one for the week. They receive fresh drinking water to take away, socks, toiletries and sleeping bags. We're excited to have this compassionate group of superstars representing Tauranga at these national awards,” says Abbie.

The Trustpower National Community Awards Supreme Winner will take home a custom-made trophy by local Tauranga artist, Charlie Clegg, $4,000 in prize money, a $1,000 voucher from Exult (one of New Zealand's leading training providers for the community sector), and a framed certificate.

The Runner-Up will receive $2,500 in prize money, a $500 Exult voucher, and a framed certificate. The Trustpower Award recipient will receive $1,000 in prize money, and a framed certificate. The Whetū Mātaiata Award (a group with strong potential who will benefit from additional support) recipient receives a framed certificate and a consultancy service package from Exult.

Attending the Trustpower National Community Awards from Under the Stars - Homeless in Tauranga will be Liz Kite and Tamaryn Roux, along with Tauranga District Mayor Greg Brownless and his wife Li-Jong Liao.

Members of the public are invited to attend the presentations, being held at Holy Trinity Church on Saturday 30 March from 8.15am – 4.15pm. Attendance is free. Register at www.eventfinda.co.nz.