Ruapehu Citizen of the Year Awards

Ruapehu District has two annual Citizen Awards.

• Waimarino-Waiouru Citizen Award.
• Northern Ruapehu Award (encompassing the Ōhura, Taumarunui and National Park Wards).

The Waimarino-Waiouru Award's recipient is decided by the Waimarino-Waiouru Community Board.

The Northern Ruapehu Award is decided by the Chairpersons of the Taumarunui-Ōhura and Ōwhango-National Park ward areas.

2026 Nominations

• Nominations for the 2026 open on Monday 3 August 2026 and will close on Friday 2 October 2026.

Criteria for Nominees

• Voluntary, unpaid work - going above and beyond the call of duty consistently for no personal gain.
• Significant contribution over an extended period of time - unselfish sacrifice of time and resources.
• Work was for the benefit of the community - participation in a range of activities.

Nomination information

• Unsuccessful nominees may be re-nominated in subsequent years.
• Nominations made in previous years are not automatically carried forward and fresh nominations should be made.
• A King's Honour (for example, KSM) for the same activity as the person is nominated for, renders that person ineligible for a civic award.
• Nominations for the Citizens Awards will be called for by public notice each year.
• Nominations should be made by two individuals or organisations.
• All details on the nomination form must be completed.

For further enquiries please either email the Mayor's Executive Assistant, Kay Kidd HERE or phone 07 895 8188 ext 219.