Nominate Napier’s humble heroes

Published: 7 April 2025

Last Updated: 16 April 2025

From knowledge guardians to animal rescuers, cooks to creatives, volunteers contribute valuable time and energy to Napier helping make it a place everybody wants to be part of.

Nominations close for the 2025 Napier Civic Awards on 5 May, and the awards will be held on 9 September.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says volunteers demonstrate a huge amount of community spirit through their activities.

“Volunteers help make our community more resilent, they help nurture relationships and build connections, they help make Napier an attractive visitor destination and a place people are proud to call home.”

Nominations of younger volunteers who demonstrate community spirit and service to Napier are welcome. While older volunteers often have their names put forward, longevity of service is not a compulsory part of the nomination criteria.

“Many organisations are supported or run by volunteers of all ages, for all ages. Often volunteers are humble and would rather the focus be on what needs to be done than on themselves. The Civic Awards are a fantastic way to give these community champions the recognition they deserve.”

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

For those wishing to fill in an online nomination form, visit the Napier Civic Awards page here. Paper forms are also available from the Customer Service Centre or Napier Libraries.

Back to News Centre