Kindness Collective
New Zealand Community of the Year
2023
Mitre 10
New Zealand Community of the Year
Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
Kindness Collective
Founded by Sarah and Dave Page in 2014, The Kindness Collective (KC) has now grown from a small, behind-the-scenes group of friends and family to a network of over 40,000 people; including donors, volunteers, followers, brands and businesses all working together to build a kinder Aotearoa. At its heart, KC operates as a match-making agency; matching those in need with those who have more to share − donating time, tools, resources and money to Kiwis in need. Their latest project, the Christmas Joy Store will provide Christmas toys to thousands of kids all across Aotearoa and as well as building community gardens, they run the PJ Project which provides warm, winter PJs to kids from Kaitaia to Queenstown, and everywhere in between.
Recognising communities achieving powerful collective impact. Through connection, resilience and shared purpose, these groups are proving that change is possible when people come together to do good.
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 the New Zealand 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
Finalists
Previous
winners
Championing
New Zealand Community of the Year
Andrea Scown
Mitre 10 CEO
“This Award is very dear to our hearts at Mitre 10. From Kaitaia to Invercargill, our stores are deeply embedded in and committed to supporting their local communities. The Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award celebrates the hard mahi, courage, and determination of groups and communities making a difference and leading change. Their remarkable efforts and commitment to better outcomes for Aotearoa is inspiring. We are honoured to recognise them.”
