Senior Constable Dennis Bidois (Ngati Ranginui) and Sergeant Ian Sadler are the two police officers behind AWHI a groundbreaking, tikanga-based initiative. Founded in 2018, AWHI is an app that empowers frontline staff to help people in their communites with issues that could lead to offending, reoffending or victimisation. Driven by the principle “Māku koe e awhi” (I will help you), AWHI connects people with community-based support services offering support with mental health, addiction, family wellbeing, accommodation, and driver licensing.

The important point of difference with AWHI is that the service providers are able to reach out to someone who has been referred rather than waiting for that person in need to contact them. Grounded in manaakitanga, AWHI has already made a significant positive impact at almost 90,000 referrals to date. Expanded in 2023 for nationwide use supported by over 40 kaiawhi across Aotearoa, AWHI continues to build bridges between Police, local communities and wellbeing providers, making meaningful, on-the-spot referrals that simply help.

Over the last five decades, survivors of ill-treatment at the Lake Alice Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit have bravely fought for justice with steadfast support from the Citizen’s Commission of Human Rights (NZ) who originally uncovered the ill-treatment in early 1976. CCHR continued its advocacy for real justice and accountability for the survivors of Lake Alice for almost 50 years, putting the matter in front of numerous government agencies and health officials, and eventually taking the matter to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. In a landmark decision the UN Committee upheld their formal complaint in 2020 urging the New Zealand government to properly investigate what took place at Lake Alice.

The survivors and CCHR’s perseverance resulted in investigations by the NZ Police and the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care whose findings determined what took place was torture and their final report exposed decades of abuse and cover up within state institutions. Through CCHR’s advocacy, these survivors have brought long-awaited recognition to thousands of affected individuals and have compelled the New Zealand government to acknowledge the harm endured. The result included the Crown reimbursing survivors of abuse at Lake Alice with $2.67million to fulfil one of the recommendations in the Royal Commission’s final report and a promise to provide full redress for the torture and ill-treatment they suffered.

The ongoing courage and commitment displayed by the survivors and CCHR—led by their director, Mike Ferriss, and researcher, Victor Boyd, has resulted in real impact, ensuring that survivor voices are finally heard, paving the way for systemic change and accountability.

Since 1969, dsport Incorporated has been a vital force in the Wellington region, empowering disabled individuals through sports and recreation. Driven by the grounding principles of ‘inspire, enable, achieve’, dsport provides opportunities for physically disabled people to participate in activities like Boccia, Powerchair Football, and Wheelchair Rugby – building community and confidence through team experiences. Working with limited resources, dsport offers low-cost programming and collaborates with schools, clubs, and councils to enhance inclusivity.

In 2024, dsport took it to the next level: co-hosting the World Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic Qualification Tournament – a landmark event that transformed the NZ Campus of Innovation and Sport into a fully accessible, world-class venue. This tournament saw innovative adaptations, from accessible transport to makeshift competition courts, and offered exceptional broadcast coverage. The event was lauded by international teams for dsport’s commitment to accessibility and community. Dsport’s work continues to inspire, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging.

Featherston Booktown Trust has transformed a little town in South Wairarapa (population 2,780) into Aotearoa New Zealand’s only Booktown, a thriving cultural hub and source of deep community pride. Over the past decade, Featherston Booktown (FBT) has achieved something remarkable: growing a confident, dynamic community through visionary thinking, generosity, innovation and the power and inspiration of the arts – in this case books and literature. The annual Karukatea Festival, along with the Young Readers Programme, is now a significant event on this country’s cultural calendar, drawing over 9,000 visitors, boosting local businesses and fostering social and cultural connections.

Featherston/Paetūmōkai now boasts seven bookshops, and the FBT team’s volunteer force of 134 collaborate closely with mana whenua to deliver events, including gatherings at Papawai Marae and Paetūmōkai O Tauira Marae. With initiatives like the Rural Readers Outreach and hosting the International Organisation of Booktowns global conference, FBT highlights the transformative power of literature – and plays a vital role in shaping Paetūmōkai/Featherston’s cultural identity.

The Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ) empowers and advocates for Muslim women across Aotearoa, creating a platform for positive change locally and globally. Founded 34 years ago, IWCNZ now represents over 35,000 Muslim women from more than 50 ethnic backgrounds – including tangata whenua, former refugees, and new migrants. The Council offers leadership programmes, skill-building workshops and mental wellness initiatives – providing a safe, supportive environment where Muslim women build confidence, belonging, and a sense of community. In addition, IWCNZ addresses critical issues such as hate crimes, gendered Islamophobia, youth identity and mental health; actively engaging with over 1,500 young women nationwide.

Their advocacy has driven substantial responses to national crises, including their key role in the Royal Commission Inquiry after the Christchurch attacks. Operating on a national scale, IWCNZ faces unique challenges as the needs and issues differ across regions. However, their thoughtful, creative, and innovative approach ensures that they continue to meet the changing needs of their community – embodying resilience and advocacy for underrepresented voices.

Since 2001, Jolt have been pioneers of innovative, inclusive dance practice, challenging stereotypes around dance, disability, and difference. Founded by artistic director Lyn Cotton, Jolt serves a diverse whānau of over 200 dancers with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 to 60+. Jolt’s team leads 20 weekly classes, nurturing artistic talent and building skills through movement that redefines typical expectations. They actively reject limiting perceptions of disability – such as low-expectation participation, or the emphasis on disabled creatives being blanket-labelled as “inspiring” – focusing instead on genuine, individual creative expression and leadership.

Jolt is also the only organisation in Aotearoa with a specialised teacher training programme, Move, providing a training pathway for people with intellectual disabilities to become dance teachers. Move graduates teach in Jolt’s weekly classes and lead workshops in schools, community centres, and rest homes, exemplifying the power of inclusive art. Jolt’s work has transformed perceptions around dance and disability, creating a vibrant community of dancers and teachers with a powerful creative contribution to share.

Live Well Waihī Beach is a community-led organisation driving innovative collaboration between residents, groups, and organisations while working closely with hapū to make their corner of Aotearoa more inclusive, sustainable, and connected. Over the past year, Live Well has led and delivered impactful initiatives, including enhancing community accessibility by maintaining beach mats and beach wheelchairs, installing accessible water fountains and refill stations, raising $120,000 with the Surf Club for an accessible changing room, and hosting adaptive surfing days with Parafed Waikato and Bay of Plenty, supported by over 40 local volunteers.

The team’s mahi also enhances the taiao | environment through complex volunteer-led predator control kaupapa, protection of nationally threatened native birds, and innovative waste-reduction solutions. These include collaborating with local businesses and the kura | school to compost single-use coffee cups, establishing community beach clean pods, and launching a food and beverage carton recycling scheme. A kura-inspired Matariki garden design fosters mātauranga Māori education, strengthening food resilience and social cohesion.

Live Well inspires collective action grounded in kindness through active social media, newsletters, fundraising, and community engagement. Their passion and commitment to improving Waihī Beach embodies the spirit of community – addressing immediate needs while promoting long-term resilience and sustainability.

Red Frogs NZ is a volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to safeguarding young people in high-risk, alcohol-fuelled environments across Aotearoa. With a unique mix of compassion and fun, Red Frogs volunteers provide support at New Year’s parties, after balls, music festivals, and university events by offering safe spaces, listening ears, water, pancakes, and practical support. In 2023, over 350 volunteers helped more than 275,000 young people, delivering 38,100 cups of water, 21,992 pancakes, and 468kg of Red Frog lollies across 118 activations.

Their work has led to a notable reduction in alcohol-related harm, reflected in fewer ambulance call-outs and arrests. The Red Frogs team also provide valuable education for young people – offering a positive peer presence, sharing practical information around safe partying behaviours; and promoting alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities that are genuinely engaging.

The Speed Freaks Trust started in 2021 with one goal: to use running and walking as a vehicle to support those in recovery from addiction and mental distress. After seeing the positive impact that ‘running for recovery’ had from its genesis group, Founder/ CEO Anna Christophorou made the bold move to leave her job and establish the Speed Freaks Trust – supported by a $20k bank loan, an enthusiastic group of volunteer coaches and a whole lot of determination.

The charity has grown exponentially – opening a second base in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, satellite groups in Whangarei and Taranaki, and is exploring funding to meet demand for new groups across the motu.

Since 2021, the attendance at Speed Freaks sessions has grown by 248% – highlighting the need for prosocial community that offers hope and builds connection. Speed Freaks has partnered with parkrunNZ growing inclusion and gently inviting community to come together. This weave of relationship has challenged stigma and been recognised internationally for its impact. Their iconic t-shirt has quite a following and shares the magic that this community brings to others.

Trees for Change NZ is a dynamic, student-led social enterprise connecting West Coast rangatahi with their environment through native tree planting. Spanning communities from Ōkārito to Hector, the group grows, supplies, and plants eco-sourced native trees, funded through corporate sponsorships and local nursery sales. Their flagship initiative, Trees for Māwhera, has provided over 2,000 students in the Grey District with native trees to plant, fostering community connection and environmental stewardship.

Participating in the 2023 Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), Trees for Change won 11 awards, including the prestigious 2023 Company of the Year. Their impactful work demonstrates a commitment to conservation, empowering young people to make a meaningful difference. With strong support from the West Coast community, Trees for Change stands as a brilliant example of young people leading the way in environmental and social change, inspiring the next generation to step up and care for te taiao – the environment.