Nominations open for Palmerston North’s Civic Honour Awards

Published on 15 July 2026

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Palmerston North a better place?

Palmerston North City Council is now calling for nominations for the 2026 Civic Honour Awards, recognising the outstanding volunteers who make a lasting difference in our community.

Since 1988, the Civic Honour Awards have celebrated local people whose commitment and generosity have helped strengthen Palmerston North. They are the city’s highest recognition for voluntary service.

Mayor Grant Smith says the awards are an opportunity to shine a light on the people who quietly make a difference every day.

“Our city is full of people who give their time, skills and energy to support others without expecting anything in return. The Civic Honour Awards are our chance to recognise those individuals and thank them for the positive impact they have on our community. Whether they’ve been volunteering for decades or have made an outstanding contribution over a shorter period, we encourage people to take the time to nominate someone who deserves to be recognised.”

Anyone can nominate a volunteer of any age. Nominations are assessed on the quality of their commitment, the length of their service, or both.  

To be eligible, 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. 

If you’ve nominated someone in previous years who wasn’t selected, you’re encouraged to submit a nomination again. 

A panel will review all nominations, with recipients announced at the Civic Honour Awards ceremony later this year. 

Nomination forms are available for download at pncc.govt.nz/civicawards or can be picked up from the Council's Customer Service Centre or any City Library location.

Nominations close on Wednesday 26 August. 

The 2026 Civic Honours Awards ceremony will be held at the Awapuni Function Centre on Thursday 29 October.