AWHI
New Zealand Community of the Year
Finalist
Mitre 10
New Zealand Community of the Year
Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
AWHI
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.
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.
The communities who have shown the best of collective change, achieving outstanding impact together. A group of people whose achievements enhance the social, economic, cultural, or environmental prosperity of the community they serve.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be more than one person (duo, group, community or organisation) who has made – or is making – a significant contribution to their region, town, suburb, community (be it geographical, or interest specific), iwi, or local group. In any sector including (but not limited to) business, leadership, culture, voluntary work, disaster relief, environmental work, health, education, sporting clubs, or working with the disadvantaged.
- Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
- Be role models for New Zealanders and highlight collective action toward positive change.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the community, group or duo you are nominating and the work that they do (particularly over the past 12-months) that has inspired you to nominate them as 2025 Mitre 10 Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work of this community, and how? - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this community clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
If applicable, how would the nominee/s enhance, grow, and/or adapt their approach in the future to best meet the changing needs of their community? How would winning this award impact this group and the work that they are doing? - 10 points: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & INNOVATIVE THINKING:
How thoughtful, creative, and unique is this community’s approach to their challenge, opportunity, or situation?
2025
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