Call for nominations: Civic Honour Awards 2025

Published on 22 July 2025

Nominations are now open for the city's premier accolade for voluntary service, which have been celebrated since 1988.

Palmerston North thrives on the dedication of individuals who go above and beyond in community service. Each year, the Palmerston North City Council recognises these exceptional volunteers at the Civic Honour Awards.

Mayor Grant Smith says communities thrive when people step up, pitch in, and look out for one another.

"Volunteers typically act out of selflessness, not for recognition. The Civic Honour Awards celebrate innovative and dedicated volunteers who merit our gratitude and acknowledgement. And outside of the King’s Honour Awards, this is the highest recognition given to local residents. Over the years, we've honoured incredible individuals committed to helping others and fostering strong, connected communities."

The awards are based on three criteria:

• The service carried out by the nominated person must not be a professional service or a service they undertake in the course of their paid employment.
• Volunteers of any age can be nominated, and citizens can be nominated for the quality of their commitment or the length of their service to a sector or community.
• If any member of the public has unsuccessfully nominated a person in previous years, they are also welcomed to re-submit their nomination.

A panel reviews all nominations, with the final decisions revealed during the awards ceremony later this year.

Nomination forms are available for download on our webpage or can be picked up from the Council's Customer Service Centre or libraries.

The deadline for nominations is Thursday 28 August, with the Civic Awards Ceremony to be held at the Conference & Functions Centre on 27 November