Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

New Zealand Community of the Year

2013

Mitre 10

New Zealand Community of the Year

Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust New Zealand (GRG) is a national organisation dedicated to supporting grandparents and whānau caregivers who step in to raise their grandchildren, often under challenging circumstances. In 2013, GRG was honoured as the Mitre 10 Community of the Year at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, recognising its significant impact on thousands of families across the country. Founded by Diane Vivian, GRG has been instrumental in advocating for policy changes, including the 2021 amendment to the Social Security Act, which improved access to the Unsupported Child’s Benefit for grandparent caregivers . Through practical support, legal guidance, and advocacy, GRG continues to empower caregivers and ensure better futures for the children in their care.

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?