Gore District Community Awards
The Gore District Community Awards are held biennially to celebrate the achievements and commitment of those living in the wider Gore District.
The various categories cover sport, the environment, performing arts, women in the community, arts and culture, and young achievers.
The Awards evening includes the presentation of the Council's Civic Award, bestowed to an individual or couple who has shown outstanding community mindedness.
Nominees must live within the boundary of Gore and Districts Health Inc.
Contact: Events Coordinator Jessica Swan
2022 Award Categories were:
Mataura Valley Milk Environmental Award: Recognises and celebrates a positive contribution made to improving and/or protecting our environment by a business, individual, school, family, or organisation. The context could be soil improvement, recycling, pest control or conservation, planting, or waterways protection.
Ian and Annette Tulloch Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Recognises the achievements of a junior sportsperson who, by their performance, service and example, has performed to an elite level and is a role model to others. Open to any sportsperson aged 19 years and younger during the qualifying period.
Anderson Lloyd Contribution to Arts and Culture: Recognises an individual or group that has made an exceptional contribution to the arts and/or culture of the Gore District. This may be in promoting the arts, encouraging participation, directing a group, organising an event, or providing others the opportunity to experience the arts.
Soroptimist International of Gore Woman of the Year: Recognises the outstanding contribution made by a woman in our community. The contribution could have been in any field (eg business, community affairs, education, health or politics).
JD Souness Young Achiever: Recognises a young person who has made a significant positive impact on the wider community and has the potential to make an impact on a broader national scale. This may also include academic excellence, above and beyond normal schooling or tertiary education, which brings positive recognition to the District. Open to those aged 15 – 25 years during the qualifying period.
Active Southland Services to Sport: Recognises exceptional dedication to a sport. The nominee has demonstrated leadership, has helped with the development and/or growth of the given sport, be it via administration at a local, regional or national level, or in an officiating role (eg umpire). Supporting evidence of longstanding contribution to sport administration may also be taken into account. Community coaches are now also included in this category.
Business Excellence: Recognises a local business that is passionate, with a point of difference that brings positive recognition to the District and/or betters our community. Open to any business primarily located within the Gore District Health Inc area, from any industry or sector, e.g. agriculture or hospitality.
Hokonui Rūnanga Te Ao Māori Award: Recognises an individual or group who have made an exceptional contribution either to Māori culture, or the betterment of the community, utilising Māori culture and values. Open to a person or group of any age, culture, ethnicity or gender.
Gore Musical Theatre Emerging Performing Artist: Recognises a person who has made a significant and positive impact in the field of the performing arts (eg drama and/or music performed in front of an audience). Now open to a person of any age.
Otago Daily Times and The Ensign Gore District Mayor Civic Award: This is a special award bestowed by the Gore District Mayor. Nominees for this award are not disclosed.
