Gibbston Community

New Zealand Community of the Year

2011

Mitre 10

New Zealand Community of the Year

Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau

Gibbston Community

The Gibbston Community Association was honoured as the 2011 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year for its remarkable volunteer-driven efforts in environmental restoration and community development. Over six years, this small community of fewer than 100 families cleared invasive vegetation, raised $1.4 million, and constructed 14 bridges along an 8km stretch of the Kawarau River to create the Gibbston River Trail, which they gifted to the people of New Zealand in December 2010. Their initiatives also included developing a highway rest area, a community reserve, a recycling depot, and preserving a historic orchard and gold-mining site with added amenities and interpretive signage. These collective efforts not only enhanced local infrastructure but also fostered a strong sense of unity and pride within the community

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.

Award Criteria

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?