Capital Kiwi soar to new heights as Community Award Supreme Winner for Wellington City

The Capital Kiwi Trust Board took out the top prize at the 2023 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Wellington City.

The Supreme Award recognises the successful release and dispersal of sixty-three kiwi around Mākara last November as part of the Capital Kiwi project.

Since 2004, Wellington Airport and the five local Councils have come together for the awards every year to recognise outstanding mahi and to celebrate volunteers for their valuable contribution to the community.

Mayor Tory Whanau is grateful for this opportunity to say cheers to all the volunteers.

“Pōneke is so lucky to have so many amazing volunteer community groups and individuals selflessly contributing positively to our arts, culture, environment, recreation, education and well-being, and this is our chance to acknowledge that incredible mahi.

“All our winners are legends, but Capital Kiwi are so deserving of this Supreme Award, having really captured the heart of the nation and provided Wellingtonians with a sense of ownership and pride in the unprecedented success of this world-leading project.

“Protecting our natural environment and native wildlife, especially the iconic kiwi, is a win for our city, our future, and our connections with Toitū Te Taiao.”

Nominations are submitted to a panel of judges (Deputy Mayor Laurie Foon, Wellington Airport’s Manager Brand and Sponsorship Jo Maxwell, and Council’s Empowering Communities Manager Vondy Thornton,) with the Supreme winner and the five category award winners going on to represent Wellington in the nationwide Regional Awards in November.

Co-judge Jo Maxwell says the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Wellington City over the previous twelve months. 

“These groups do amazing mahi to help others in the community and thoroughly deserve recognition for this,” she says.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”

WELLINGTON CITY - 2023 WELLINGTON AIRPORT COMMUNITY AWARD WINNERS

Supreme Award

• Capital Kiwi Trust Board

Art & Culture

• Winner - WIDance
• Runner Up - RadioActive.FM

Education & Child/Youth Development

• Winner - Mountains to Sea Wellington
• Runner Up - Tūhura Tech

Health & Wellbeing

• Winner - Everybody Eats
• Runner Up - Take 10 (Vulnerable Support Charitable Trust)

Heritage & Environment

• Winner - Capital Kiwi Trust Board
• Runner Up - Miramar Prison Community Gardens

Sport & Leisure

• Winner - Special Olympics Te Whanganui-a-Tara
• Runner Up - Wellycon Incorporated

Rising Star

• Winner - Capital Theatre Trust
• Runner Up - The Wellington Senior Citizens Health and Happiness Association