Selwyn Awards celebrate district’s success stories

Selwyn residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to put their names forward for the 2025 Selwyn Awards. 

The biennial community and business awards celebrate the success and achievements of individuals, businesses and other organisations in the Selwyn District from the past two years.  

Nominations for the 10 categories close on May 31 and the winners will be announced at an amazing gala dinner at the Selwyn Sports Centre on August 2. 

“Selwyn is the fastest growing district in the country, with so many groups and individuals doing amazing work to deliver economic or creative success, innovation, community support and inspiration to others,” says Denise Kidd, Executive Director for Community Facilities and Services at the Selwyn District Council. 

“Our community is made up of hard-working, successful, but often modest individuals and organisations who are sometimes reluctant to blow their own trumpet. But we really want to showcase our amazing district and its people, so we want to encourage people to be brave and put their names forward,” says Kidd. 

Businesses are invited to enter the Destination Award for tourism and hospitality, the Innovation Award or Start Up Business Award, as well as the Diversity and Inclusion Award and Environmental Action Award that are open to community groups as well.  

Other highly contested categories are the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award, the Community Volunteer Award, Inspire Active Lives Award and the Young Contributor Award. 

“Selwyn is awash with incredible community, cultural and sport organisations so we hope they will all put their names forward for these awards,” says Kidd, who adds that all entries will also be eligible for the People’s Choice Award selected by the Selwyn Community. 

The Council team organising the awards is aware that some residents or businesses may not be clear which category may best suit their organisation, but Kidd says the Council team is ready to guide people with their entries to ensure they enter the right category and have the best possible chance to be successful. 

“So instead of worrying about filling in the right or wrong answer, we suggest people send our team an email and we can help to guide you through the entries,” says Kidd. 

“And even if you don’t win, the Selwyn Awards Night is one of the biggest events in the district and anyone who has attended them will tell you they are a night to remember,” says Kidd, who adds that the awards night is a wonderful opportunity to learn about other organisations, connect with others and find people you can collaborate with in the future. 

“Most importantly, it is a night to be inspired by the amazing people in our district and celebrate their success,” says Kidd who adds that the awards night is only possible thanks to the generous support of local sponsors. 

The Selwyn Awards 2025 is proudly presented by Carter Group along with the following sponsors: Property Brokers, Earlsbrook, CORDE, IPORT, TranzAlpine Honey, Orion, HEB, WM New Zealand, Planz, KiwiRail and Manawa Retreat.  

Kidd also acknowledges Te Taumutu Rūnanga and the significant role they play in the event and their sponsorship of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Award.  

The event would not be possible without the support of all our sponsors.