Nominate Napier’s humble heroes

Published: 8 April 2024

Last Updated: 9 April 2024

Art Deco tour guides, those who keep the machinery running at the Faraday Museum, or pick up rubbish on roadsides are among those who demonstrate their commitment to Napier every day.

Napier residents have the opportunity to thank these valuable volunteers by nominating them for the 2024 Napier Civic Awards. Nominations close on 3 May, and the awards will be held on 5 September.

The awards are a way to recognise people who often shun the spotlight, says Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise.
“They could be the people you know who cook for others, who are out coaching on a frosty winter’s night, or driving around Napier to deliver hot meals to older people.The awards are a wonderful way to honour these humble heroes and their service to this city.”
People are encouraged to nominate younger volunteers who demonstrate community spirit and service to Napier too. While it is usually older volunteers who have their names put forward, the judging panel does not consider decades of service a compulsory part of the nomination criteria.

There are three categories: the Civic Award, Civic Award for Meritorious Contribution to the Community, and Freedom of the City.

The 2022 recipients volunteered for a variety of organisations. These included Napier City Pilot Trust, the Bay Independent Hockey Club, Multicultural Association Hawke’s Bay, Taradale Senior Citizens Association, and the Hawke’s Bay Seafarers’ Welfare Centre.

The awards return after a year’s absence. In 2023 they were paused to allow recognition of individuals and organisations who helped others during and after Cyclone Gabrielle.

For more information, visit the Napier Civic Awards page here.

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