We're coming to you with an invitation.

As part of National Volunteer Week (14-20 June) and the International Year of Volunteers 2026, Volunteer Kāpiti is supporting the recognition of community mahi through the Kāpiti Good Sorts Awards and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.

What we're doing:
We're reaching out across Kāpiti to capture the stories and details of:

• Individuals whose volunteer mahi is making a difference (Good Sorts Awards)
• Community organisations creating change across arts, education, health, environment, sport, and more (Regional Awards)

Why this matters:
2026 is a once-in-a-generation year – the United Nations has proclaimed it the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. This global celebration recognises how local volunteer action builds resilient, sustainable communities.

By capturing nomination details for these awards, we're connecting Kāpiti's community mahi to this global movement and ensuring deserving individuals and organisations receive recognition during National Volunteer Week.

How it works:
We'll come to you (via phone, Teams, or in person where appropriate) to:

• Capture individual volunteer stories or organisation details
• Ask questions based on award criteria
• Help structure the information for submission
• Confirm accuracy before the 31 May deadline

Our approach:
Volunteer Kāpiti members will be prioritised for support, but our intention is to capture as much community mahi as we physically can before the 31 May deadline.

Sharing your stories:
We'll create the information we capture into stories to share across our platforms, and we'd love for you to do the same. We really want the world to know how awesome you all are. These stories will celebrate your mahi as part of IVY2026 and help inspire others across our community.

Our invitation to your networks |If your organisation has:

• Volunteers whose mahi deserves recognition, or
• Work as an organisation that should be celebrated

• Please register below
  Nominations close 5pm Sunday 31 May. Awards ceremony 6 August.
  For full award details, criteria, and categories, visit the KCDC website here
  Let's shine light on the mahi that makes Kāpiti special – as part of celebrating volunteers globally in 2026.