Residents back local legends

Rotorua residents have got behind their favourite local volunteers with 46 entries received for the TrustPower Spirit of Rotorua Awards.

The awards, which have now closed, reward volunteers for their outstanding contributions made to the local community and are run in conjunction with the Rotorua District Council.

TrustPower community relations representative Teresa Partridge said the awards were all about recognising community heroes who "just give and give".

The awards cover five categories - Heritage and Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Arts and Culture, Sport and Leisure and Education and Child/Youth Development.

The category winners receive $500 and runners-up receive $250.

The supreme winner will take home $1500, a trophy, framed certificate and an all-expenses paid trip to the TrustPower National Community Awards to be held in the Far North District in March next year.

Winners will be announced at a function on Monday, October 29.