After an almost decade-long hiatus, Invercargill City Council’s Civic Awards are back – and nominations for 2024 recipients are now open.

Council handed out 73 civic awards honours between 1984 and 2016, and in 2023, Councillors agreed to reinstate the awards, with this year marking the return of the honours to the city.

Mayor Nobby Clark said he looked forward to seeing the nominations begin to roll in.

“Our community is full of individuals working to make a difference in various fields across Invercargill and Bluff. The Civic Awards are Council’s way of recognising the contribution and effort of our unsung heroes who make our community a better place,” he said.

“Often, though, the people doing this sort of work tend to shy away from the spotlight – so we would encourage other members of the community to nominate worthy recipients from throughout Invercargill and Bluff, as well.”

The 2024 honours will recognise those contributing to community wellbeing in four categories: social (including youth activities, social welfare, educational services, and community affairs), cultural (including cultural services, religious affairs, and recreation), economic, and environmental.

The awards will be honorary titles. Nominees will be considered by a panel comprising of the Mayor or Deputy Mayor, a Council representative, one Councillor from the Community Wellbeing Committee, a mana whenua representative, and a community representative nominated by the panel.

Individuals, not organisations, are eligible to receive the awards. Nominations could be made and seconded by any Invercargill residents.

Invercargill resident Lloyd Esler said he was honoured to have received a Civic Award from Council in 2007.

“I have always been involved with the community and get a lot of satisfaction out of helping other people with their good projects. It’s good for your health, you meet interesting people and occasionally there is a muffin,” he said.

“I am delighted that the Council is reviving the Civic Awards, and I encourage you to nominate someone who is making a positive difference in their community. Volunteers aren’t looking for publicity, but the Civic Awards are a bit of a pat on the back.”

Nominations for the awards opened March 11 and will close April 12. To submit a nomination for the Invercargill City Council Civic Awards 2024, come into the Council building in Invercargill or Bluff to fill out a form or download a form on the Council website and then return this to the Council.