2026 Regional Winners
Meet the regional finalists in the 2026 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wellington believe every young person deserves someone in their corner. Across the region, more than 100 young people are connected with a trusted mentor who shows up, listens, and believes in their potential. For tamariki and rangatahi facing adversity, positive relationships can be a powerful protective factor.
Through one hour, once a week, mentors build confidence, connection, and belonging. Together, the Wellington community is helping young people thrive and igniting youth potential.
Crafting Threads of Aroha
Crafting Threads of Aroha is a 100% volunteer-led charity operating throughout the Wellington region. They believe everyone deserves warmth, dignity, and comfort.
Their purpose is to alleviate poverty, support recovery, and nurture wellbeing through the power of handcrafted care items. Last year over 8,000 handmade items were donated to babies, children, and adults in need—supporting health and wellbeing, one stitch at a time.
Good Bitches Baking Wellington
Good Bitches Baking started in 2014 right here in Wellington with a simple idea: everyone deserves a little kindness when times are tough. Today, around 500 Wellington volunteers bake and deliver about 600 boxes of treats every month to 65 local organisations supporting people through tough times. They don’t judge, ask questions, or expect anything in return. They simply bake, deliver, and remind people that their community cares. A little baking, a lot of kindness, and thousands of moments of connection.
He Ara Pukerua (The Pukerua Heritage Group)
He Ara Pukerua research, record and promote the history and people of Pukerua Bay.
They promote the history through a website, Facebook page and 30 information panels around the Bay. They turned Muri Station into a mini museum of local railway history. Over ten years they have given presentations, hosted events, held a painting and photo exhibition, transcribed talks and a war diary. They interact with pupils at the school and have produced two calendars and a children’s book.
Hora Te Pai Health Services
Tūpuna Peehi Parata and kaumātua of Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai envisioned oranga for their people and mokopuna, on their own terms. From that vision, Hora Te Pai was born — their name calls them to spread blessings in all we do. Today, their kaupapa Māori approach to healthcare upholds Te Whare Tapa Whā through clinical care, advocacy and whānau support — with manaakitanga at its heart, strengthening ūkaipō and helping whānau live well.
Hutt City FM
Hutt City FM is a community radio station serving Te Awa Kairangi, Lower Hutt, giving a voice to local communities, celebrating culturally diverse programmes and providing a platform for local musicians. Through engaging programmes, community partnerships, and promotion of local events, they help keep the Hutt Valley connected and informed.
With a strong focus on arts, culture, and community wellbeing, their mission is to inform, entertain, and engage listeners while celebrating the unique identity of their region and strengthening local connections.
HuttFest
HuttFest is an annual festival that celebrates cultural diversity through music, dance, and singing. A week-long festival featuring multiple shows, HuttFest brings together ECE, Primary & Intermediate and Secondary schools to perform on stage. The founder's vision was to provide a space where children are encouraged to celebrate who they are and where they come from. Since 2012, have continued to carry this vision forward, creating opportunities for our young people.
I Have A Dream Upper Hutt
(The 4 A Better City Trust in partnership with I Have A Dream)
Many tamariki in New Zealand face barriers and challenges that can make learning and reaching their potential harder. I Have A Dream – Upper Hutt exists to help break down those barriers throughout a child’s schooling journey. Their Navigators walk alongside the Dreamers, their whānau, kura and community, providing learning and wellbeing support, programmes, transport and practical help. I Have A Dream Upper Hutt knows every child deserves someone in their corner — believing in them, helping them overcome barriers, dream bigger, grow and thrive.
Kaicycle
Kaicycle are an urban farm and composting initiative. Their vision is to create a circular, regenerative, and resilient local food system for Wellington, and we’re bringing that vision to life at our urban farm in Newtown, right in the centre of Wellington. They collect food scraps by e-bike and turn these into beautiful rich compost which they use to regenerate the whenua and grow nutritious kai for those in need in the community. They teach young and old about growing kai and taking tangible climate action. With the support of their wonderful community Kaicycle are taking action for te taiao - our environment and ngā tangata - our people.
Korowai House (Greenstone Doors Charitable Trust)
Korowai House provides day respite and live-in accommodation for māma and pēpe in the Hutt Valley and Wellington Region. With a focus on Maternal Mental Health, Korowai House offers a safe, supportive environment where mothers can focus on their mental health, wellbeing and their relationship with their pēpe. Women are gently supported to rebuild confidence, strengthen their wellbeing and deepen the bond with their pēpe, all within an environment that feels more like a home than a service.
LaddersUp
In each of us, there’s an inbuilt drive to move forward, towards goals and aspirations.But we can get stuck – in circumstances, poverty, relationship cycles and personal struggles. At LaddersUp they find ways to get out of those stuck places, whatever they are, using powerful mechanisms of change – the ladders up to a better life. LaddersUp guides groups of 15 participants as they travel together on a journey of change, personal growth and development. What starts as a group of strangers becomes an inspirational community of fellow travellers embracing new directions, purpose and hope.
Leififi Boxing Gym (LBG)
Leififi Boxing Gym is a newly established boxing gym in Newtown, Wellington. They empower tamaiti and tupulaga talavou, promote mental health, serve the community, and share the gospel through boxing and mentorship. Their mafua'aga is to uplift lives, build confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and create positive pathways. They are humbled and grateful for the alofa and lagolago of their volunteers, aiga and community as they train champions in body, mind, and spirit.
Lions Club of Aotea Rail
Lions Club of Aotea Rail have operated the miniature train at Aotea Lagoon for 46 years. With the funds raised by operatig the train, they help national charities that provide services and medical research within New Zealand. Seeing the smiles on the children makes it all worthwhile. They have grandparents who rode the train as kids and who now bring their grandkids.
Mana Arts Society
Mana Arts is where Porirua’s creativity comes alive. Since 1982, it has brought people together to paint, draw, print, experiment and share ideas. The art created celebrates local people, places, stories and wonderfully diverse imaginations. Through weekly groups, exhibitions and workshops with local, national and international tutors, artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to learn, grow, and create. More than a place to make art, Mana Arts is a warm and welcoming community where confidence grows, friendships are formed, and everyone belongs.
Multicultural Educational Campaigns NZ
Multicultural Educational Campaigns NZ is a community group working to create a more inclusive and connected Aotearoa. It began with educational research exploring how secondary schools can better embrace cultural diversity. What started as research has grown into four community programmes: the Multicultural Youth Collective, the Cultural Diversity Festival, ESOL classes for migrants and former refugees, and educational resources for teachers. MECnz believes education can break down barriers, celebrate cultures and bring people together. Through its work, it helps create communities where people feel included, valued and that they belong.
Ngā Uruora - Kāpiti Project
Ngā Uruora – Kāpiti Project is a community conservation project that has been restoring and protecting native coastal forests on the Kāpiti Coast since 1997 through planting, environmental weed control and pest animal management. In 2019, the group launched the Waikākāriki Wetland Weed Whackers to focus on a small wetland nestled between State Highway 59 and the railway line at the entrance to the Paekākāriki Escarpment Track. Over the past seven years, dedicated volunteers have transformed this weed filled dumping ground into a much loved community asset, creating a healthier and more welcoming environment for both people and wildlife.
Otaihanga Zero Waste
Otaihanga Zero Waste is a local non profit organisation that has been operating on the Kāpiti Coast since September 2024. Since then, it has diverted around 450 tonnes of material from landfill, with a focus on construction waste and electronics. Working with local residents and businesses, Otaihanga Zero Waste aims to keep as much material as possible out of landfill by finding ways to reuse and recycle it. Their work highlights that many materials can be reused or recycled in a variety of different ways, helping reduce waste and make better use of valuable resources.
Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club
Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club has been patrolling its local beach since 1953, bringing whānau together through active, healthy fun in the ocean. For many members, the club is a place to learn new skills, take on challenges and grow in confidence, from young nippers through to lifeguards, coaches and volunteers. Families are at the heart of the club, with opportunities for people of all ages to get involved, stay active and support one another. More than a surf club, Ōtaki Surf Lifesaving Club is a community where people learn, grow and belong, creating connections that last a lifetime.
P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc. Whitireia Women's Group (Porirua)
Whitireia Women’s Branch in Porirua is a proud branch of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Incorporated, which stands for Pacific Allied Women’s Council Inspires Faith In Ideals Concerning All. Established in 1976, the branch is part of a national organisation of Pacific women dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families, preserving culture and contributing to the social, educational, economic and community development of Aotearoa New Zealand. Through leadership, advocacy, cultural preservation, health and wellbeing programmes, workshops and youth development initiatives, and their inaugural exhibition, Whitireia Women’s Branch creates opportunities for Pacific women and families to thrive.
Tawa Junior Rugby Football Club
At Tawa Junior Rugby Football Club, creating opportunities for every tamariki to participate, belong and thrive is at the heart of everything they do. Their commitment to being a fees free club ensures that cost is never a barrier to participation. From ages 2 to 13, the club provides inclusive rugby pathways, fun coaching and a strong sense of community for almost 300 tamariki across 19 teams. A key part of that commitment is the Nippers programme, which introduces children aged 2 to 5 years to rugby in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Nippers has helped 90 young tamariki spark an interest in rugby this year.
Ted's Space
Ted’s Space began in a classroom, supporting neurodiverse students to feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. Today, the charity supports more than 100 students each week through one to one, small group and whole class sessions. Through animal assisted therapy, students build courage, compassion, consent, communication, empathy, wellbeing and dog safety skills that they can take back into their classrooms, learning and wider communities. At the heart of Ted’s Space is a simple belief: every student deserves a safe space to learn, and animal assisted therapy can help make that possible.
The Kilns at Te Horo
The Kilns at Te Horo is a unique heritage site centred around pottery and thebeautiful beehive kilns built by the late potter Mirek Smíšek. Run by dedicated volunteers, it brings people together through community events, kiln hire and an artist in residence programme. This special place is alive with creativity and activity, inspiring visitors while honouring the legacy of Mirek Smíšek. The Kilns at Te Horo celebrates the rich traditions of pottery, fosters community connections and ensures this remarkable heritage is preserved for future generations.
TuTagata Secondary Schools Poly Festival - Wellington Komiti
TuTagata, created nearly 50 years ago, as a place for rangatahi to stand tall – confident in who they are and where they come from, joyful in the celebration and sharing of their culture, language and stories, equipped to lead and serve and make a meaningful impact in their communities. TuTagata has been carried on the shoulders and in the hearts of generations of volunteers, who have freely and generously given their time, energy, alofa and tautua and in doing so, have enriched the lives of generations of secondary students.
Ulalei Wainuiomata Sport
Ulalei is a small sports club based in Wainuiomata, with its origins in the Samoan village of Vaiala. The club has been recognised for breaking down barriers to junior sport by running free events for all of Wainuiomata’s primary schools. Its football and touch competitions are free to enter and held locally, removing cost and travel barriers for families. Ulalei also supports Māori and Pasifika communities through initiatives such as its free Football Fun Day and free swimming lessons, both held in Wainuiomata. Above all, Ulalei’s events bring the community together, creating a special wairua at Wise Park and Wainuiomata Pools throughout the summer months.
Upper Hutt Food Week
This year, Upper Hutt Food Week featured 22 events celebrating everything to do with food in the city, bringing together growers, businesses and the community. It started with a pumpkin festival and ended with a dinner honouring volunteers from across the local food community. At its heart, Food Week is about recognising the people who feed us, renewing traditional skills and building connections. Food Week is more than a festival. It’s a community coming together and growing stronger.
Upper Hutt Musical Theatre
Upper Hutt Musical Theatre is a volunteer led community theatre society that brings people together through the magic of live performance. Through musicals, youth theatre programmes and community events, they create opportunities for people of all ages to build confidence, develop new skills and form lasting friendships. They also support the wider arts community by providing rehearsal and performance space for local schools and performing arts groups. Their purpose is simple: to foster creativity, connection and a sense of belonging, while enriching the cultural life of Upper Hutt.
Upper Hutt Repair Cafe
The Upper Hutt Repair Café is a community led initiative helping people repair, reuse and repurpose the things they value. Every two months, skilled volunteers help give everyday items a second life, from electrical goods, tools, bikes and sewing machines to furniture, jewellery, ceramics, clothing and even knife sharpening. Around 65% of items brought in are repaired, advice is provided for a further 20%, and 3% are recycled, leaving just 12% heading to landfill. It’s a simple idea with a big impact. People learn practical repair skills, save money and keep waste out of landfill.
Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club
Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club is the only artistic roller skating club in the Wellington region, volunteer-led and open to all ages and abilities. They deliver affordable lessons and support pathways for athletes from beginners to New Zealand representatives. Just over a year ago they left their home of 20 years, transitioning to a hall-hire model but what makes our club special isn't the walls they call home, it's the people, sharing their love of the sport, the friendship, and fun.
Wellington Coast Clean Up Crew
Wellington Coast Clean Up Crew started in 2017. They’re a bunch of volunteers who get stuck in cleaning beaches, waterways and coastlines across the Wellington region. Together, they’ve removed more than 55 tonnes of rubbish.
They do it because these places are home to our marine life and birdlife, and they deserve a clean and safe environment to live in.
Just as importantly, it brings people together to help out, do their bit, and make a real difference in their community.
Youth Empower Summit (Voice of Aroha)
Voice of Aroha created the Youth Empower Summit (YES) because they believe every young person has incredible ideas, a powerful voice, and the potential to create change. YES is a platform that brings young people from different backgrounds together to connect, share their stories, learn from inspiring leaders, and build the confidence to make a difference. It’s about creating a space where every young person feels seen, heard and valued, because when we empower young people, we empower the future of Aotearoa.