Volunteer Recognition Awards

Nominations for our 2025 Volunteer Recognition Awards are now closed

Not-for-profit voluntary organisations or projects within the Canterbury region are invited to nominate a volunteer, or group of volunteers, to receive an Award.

Since the Awards began in the early 1990's, their purpose has been to recognise outstanding efforts and achievements by volunteers of all ages, in all sectors.

Our Volunteer Recognition Awards are presented each year during National Volunteer Week, and are a great way to acknowledge and celebrate your volunteers, tell their stories and encourage others to volunteer with your organisation.

Nominations are now closed

Important Dates

  • Nominations open on Monday 17 March 2025.
  • Nominations close at 4pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.
  • The Awards Ceremony will be held on the afternoon of Monday 16th June 2025, during National Volunteer Week.
  • Photographs of the Awards ceremony will be made available on our Photo Gallery within a week of the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Any not-for-profit voluntary organisation or project is welcome to make a nomination.
  • There is no need for the organisation to be a member of Volunteering Canterbury.
  • Only ONE nomination will be accepted from each organisation or project.
  • There are three categories to select from when making a nomination:
    -Individual
    -Group (two or more volunteers performing the same role)
    -Youth (19 years or under)
  • Only one nomination will be accepted from each organisation or project, regardless of within which category the nomination falls.
  • You can only nominate an individual or group for voluntary work carried out within your organisation, within the Canterbury region.
  • You can only make a nomination for voluntary work that has taken place within the Canterbury region.
  • Organisations can make a new nomination each year, provided an individual or group who has received a Volunteering Canterbury Award is not nominated for an award by the same organisation during the following two years.