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NPDC on the search for the district’s 2026 local legends

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PUBLISHED: 13 APR 2026
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It’s time to acknowledge the people who make a significant contribution to the district’s well-being by nominating them for an NPDC Citizens’ award or NPDC Youth award.

Nominations are now open for both awards, which honour the dedicated individuals whose invaluable contributions help our community thrive.

“There are so many people who consistently go above and beyond for our district, and these awards provide a valuable opportunity to honour and celebrate their exceptional dedication and the remarkable contributions they make to our community,” says New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough.

“The calibre of nominations we received in previous years have been outstanding.

“If you know someone who consistently steps up to support their community - whether in small acts or significant contributions - now is the time to acknowledge their efforts by nominating them for an NPDC Citizens’ Award or NPDC Youth Award,” says Mayor Max.

Established in 1979, the annual Citizens’ Awards recognise up to 12 ‘local legends’ across a range of fields while the Youth Awards will recognise up to three people.

Go to our website (www.npdc.govt.nz/locallegends) to check out the criteria and to submit a nomination. You can also pick up a form from NPDC’s Civic Centre on Liardet Street, or Puke Ariki and community libraries or email enquriries@npdc.govt.nz. 

Nominations close 5pm, Wednesday 27 May with the recipients announced at an event in July.

At a glance:

  • NPDC Citizens’ Awards has been running annually since 1979.
  • Each year up to 12 Citizens and three Youth awards are given from nominations made by New Plymouth district residents.
  • In 2024 a new Youth Award was introduced where residents can nominate a person between the ages of 12 and 24 years for their services to the community.
  • Winners will be honoured with an awards ceremony at the New Plymouth’s Council Chambers.

 

Caption: Photo from 2025 awards event.  From left standing: Second Lieutenant Steve Bovett, Helen Parr, Chris Herlihy, Lance Girling-Butcher, Former New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom, Rob Green, Kenneth Swan, Anna Richardson and Squadron Leader Steve Muir. Front; Barbara Hammonds, Tina Koch, Aideon Henderson Pearce, Gay Laurence, Kevin Laurence. Absent; Mark Louis.

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Page last updated: 10:41am Mon 13 April 2026

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