On Thursday night, dedicated community groups and volunteers were recognised at the 2025 Western Bay Community Awards.

Hosted at Holy Trinity Tauranga the annual awards offer an opportunity to honour the Western Bay of Plenty’s unsung heroes and their inspiring work.

Showcasing the 34 finalists and the nine award category winners, the awards recognise the significant impact they make across all areas of the not-for-profit sector. This includes events, environmental projects, collaborative initiatives and individual service.

A highlight of the evening was the People’s Choice Award which received more than 2000 votes this year.

The awards are a partnership between the Western Bay’s five local funders - Acorn Foundation, Bay Trust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

“We are proud to host this opportunity to celebrate our local volunteers and community groups and shine a light on the immeasurable impact they continue to make,” said TECT chairman Mark Arundel.

“We thank them for their hard work, time, energy and vision in building happy, safe, and thriving communities. Through their generosity, dedication and commitment, our people and region are stronger and more connected.”

Nominations for the awards opened in September 2024 and the finalists were announced late last year and their stories have been shared through videos in an online showcase.

Community representatives Vicki Semple, Mel Tata and Paul Geoghegan made up the judging panel for the 2025 awards.

Semple said it was inspiring to learn more about all the hard-working nominees and made for a challenging task deciding on the finalists and winners.

“Our community is fortunate to have so many dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy. Their vision, passion, and hard work drive meaningful change, benefiting countless others. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are proud to honour their contributions at the Community Awards.”

The Western Bay Community Awards winners for 2025 are:

1. Community Event Award – Pāpāmoa Light Up the Waterways – Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2024

2. Sustainable Future Award - Manaaki Kaimāī Mamaku Trust

3. Diversity and Inclusion Award - STEAM-Ed Charitable Trust

4. Heart of the Community Award - Good Neighbour

5. Youth Spirit Award - Hamish Tanner

6. Volunteer of the Year Award - Donna Pfefferle

7. Best Collaboration Award - Super Support

8. Lifetime Service Award - Lindi Jones

9. People’s Choice Award - Laurie Sanders

Videos celebrating our winners will be featured on the TECT Facebook page with more information available about the awards at www.tect.org.nz

Award category and winner information

Community Event Award:

Recognising a community-led event that not only excelled in its planning and delivery but also made a positive impact on the community by creating memorable experiences and strengthening communal ties.

Western Bay Community Awards 2025 Community Event Award winner Pāpāmoa Light Up the Waterways – Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2024. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Pāpāmoa Light Up the Waterways – Te Ara ō Wairākei Matariki 2024

This vibrant, community-driven celebration of the Māori new year Matariki regularly captivates the Pāpāmoa community and beyond. Last year was the event’s third year of operating and saw an estimated 40,000 attendees visit the Te Ara ō Wairākei stormwater trail to immerse themselves in a magical display of lights and cultural storygtelling. Last year also celebrated the Māori legends of the three whales – Kopukairoa, Mangatawa, and Hikurangi which created a deeply meaningful and unforgettable experience.

Sustainable Future Award:

Recognising those who have implemented innovative projects or practices that protect and enhance the environment or who have embedded sustainability into the core of their operations. It celebrates forward-thinking initiatives that address climate challenges and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Western Bay Community Awards 2025 Sustainable Future Award winner Manaaki Kaimāī Mamaku Trust. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Manaaki Kaimāī Mamaku Trust

This trust supports the restoration of the Kaimāī Mamaku’s and surrounding catchments. They assist a range of iwi/hapū-led project teams to plan and deliver pest control and other conservation-based activities across the conservation park. By restoring the local conservation park, those involved in the restoration benefit from their learnings and successes, but importantly the overall health from mountains to sea improves providing benefits to all of our community.

Diversity and Inclusion Award:

Recognising efforts that break down barriers, create opportunities for all, and cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It recognises a commitment to embracing differences and building a more inclusive, equitable community for everyone.

STEAM-Ed accept the Diversity and Inclusion award at the Western Bay Community Awards 2025. Photo / Supplied

Winner: STEAM-Ed Charitable Trust

For one hour each week across eight weeks, STEAM-Ed delivers their In-School Robotics Project to schools in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods free. Two educators take robotics equipment to schools and kura to teach Year 5-8 students and introduce robotics.

Robotics involves the use of technology, engineering and mathematical concepts so the students develop skills in these areas while having fun. In addition to the hard skills students learn, they also develop teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, co-operative learning, and effective communication.

During 2024, they worked with an average of six schools and kura per term, with approximately 575 students.

Heart of the Community Award

Recognises a group who have made an extraordinary impact through selfless dedication and unwavering commitment, embodying the true spirit of community by uplifting others and fostering a sense of togetherness that resonates throughout the community.

Good Neighbour receive the Heart of the Community award at the Western Bay Community Awards 2025. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Good Neighbour

Good Neighbour are a hub for the community as they partner with over 70 charities in delivering immediate to long-term sustainable solutions for families and individuals having life challenges and needing genuine care and friendly support to help them through.

They co-ordinate an army of dedicated volunteers who reach families most in need in the community and provide support through food rescue, food packs, neighbourhood projects, community gardens, firewood, social services, and youth development.

Youth Spirit Award

Recognising an inspiring individual under 25 who exemplifies the essence of community spirit through their contributions and dedication. A young person who actively engages in their community makes a positive difference and serves as a role model for their peers. Their passion, leadership, and commitment to helping others reflect the vibrant potential of our future leaders.

Western Bay Community Awards 2025 Youth Spirit Award winner Hamish Tanner. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Hamish Tanner

Hamish Tanner was Head Boy of Katikati College in 2024 and the student driver of cook offs within school since his heavy involvement in Kura Kai since 2021.

Hamish mentored a committee of students to take over Kura Kai from 2025 as he has left Katikati College to study at the University of Otago.

During his time at Katikati College, Hamish was driven for the cause and helping whānau in the school and wider community and was the face of Kura Kai Katikati.

Alongside this, Hamish is also a successful squash player and coach, support staff volunteer, organiser of Pink Ribbon Breakfast fundraisers plus much more.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Recognising an exceptional individual whose dedication and selfless contributions have made a profound impact on the community. A volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service, demonstrating unwavering commitment, passion, and generosity in their efforts to uplift and support others. Their outstanding contributions embody the true spirit of volunteerism and community service.

Western Bay Community Awards 2025 Volunteer of the Year Donna Pfefferle. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Donna Pfefferle

Donna Pferfferle is chairwoman of Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services and has been for a number of years. The club and community benefit from the mahi and hours she puts into the club and supporting local projects.

She supports and facilitates community-led approaches to many local issues. Ensuring a healthy environment and encourages everyone to gain training and experience in areas they are interested in.

Donna is currently focused on a Lifeguard and Emergency Services Hub at Bowentown, and working to renovate the club to add flood mitigation strategies.

Best Collaboration Award

Recognising community organisations and/or individuals who have joined forces to achieve a common goal, creating a positive change or trying a new initiative. Whether through a joint project, innovative partnership, or collective initiatives, this award celebrates the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and creating lasting impact.

Best collaboration award winners Super Support award at the Western Bay Community Awards 2025. Photo / Supplied

Winner: Super Support

Food isn’t something anyone should have to worry about, but with rising costs and other needs, some of our older community are struggling to afford or access food. Super Support is a free service that provides pre-cooked meals, basic pantry supplies, and wrap-around support for those ages 65 and over.

The programme is a collaborative initiative developed in partnership with Here to Help U, Tauranga Community Foodbank, Good Neighbour, Age Concern, and Bay Financial Mentors.

Linda Jones receiving the Lifetime Achievement award from Kat Macmillan at the Western Bay Community Awards 2025. Photo / Supplied

Lifetime Service Award

Winner: Lindi Jones

Lindi Jones is one of the longest-serving volunteers for Tauranga Riding for the Disabled, having volunteered since 1975.

Throughout her time at Tauranga RDA, Lindi has held various volunteer positions including side walker, horse leader, president, and committee member.

Western Bay Community Awards 2025 People’s Choice Award winner Laurie Sanders. Photo / Supplied

People’s Choice Award

Winner: Laurie Sanders

Laurie Sanders is a volunteer at Waipuna Hospice where he writes biographies for hospice patients.

He has devoted countless hours to crafting beautiful, meaningful biographies that honour the lives of patients facing terminal illnesses to preserve their stories and provide comfort to their families.

Each biography is a labour of love, capturing not just the facts of a person’s life, but the essence of who they are – their passions, values and cherished memories