Live Well Waihī Beach has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau National Awards.

The top 10 semifinalists from all categories were announced on December 12, with Live Well Waihī Beach chosen from thousands of nominations across New Zealand.

Run by a steering committee, community-led Live Well Waihī Beach fosters collaboration among residents, local groups, and organisations such as the police, Coastguard Waihī Beach, Hato Hone St John, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Waihī Beach School and Waihī Beach Lifeguard Services.

According to co-ordinator Pippa Coombes, the group’s success is a result of the dynamic teamwork between these stakeholders.

“It takes a whole village,” Coombes said. “We also work closely with Te Whānau a Tauwhao Hapū to make our corner of Aotearoa more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and connected, with a strong focus on equitable health and wellbeing.”

Being selected as a semifinalist means the organisation demonstrates exceptional collective innovation and positive change.

Originally emerging as a post-Covid initiative aimed at rebuilding social connections, over time it has expanded its focus to include financial resilience for the community and effective strategies for navigating competitive funding opportunities.

“Importantly, any bequests or funding we receive are invested directly back into our community, including, for example, supporting the local MenzShed with orders for predator traps.”

The Living Well Waihī Beach Steering Committee (left to right) Reon Tuanau, Rachael Coll, Mel Gearon, Pippa Coombes, Anne Henry, Jodie Ricard, Cindy Clare, Ross Goudie, Doug Longdill and Garston Smith. Photo: Stuart Attwood.

To achieve its goals, Live Well Waihī Beach uses clear communication methods through social media, websites, e-newsletters and other platforms. The group also works closely with local and regional stakeholders to promote volunteerism, foster resilience, and organise events that promote health, wellbeing and environmental care.

In the past year, the group has made significant progress in both accessibility and environmental care initiatives. Fellow co-ordinator Cindy Clare highlighted key achievements such as the maintenance of beach mats and wheelchairs, the installation of water fountains and refill stations, and a fundraising effort that raised $120,000 for a high-needs accessible changing room, in partnership with the surf club.

“We host adaptive surfing events with Parafed Waikato and Bay of Plenty. These initiatives, powered by over 40 volunteers, highlight the inclusivity and determination of our community,” Clare said.

Live Well Waihī Beach is also committed to environmental sustainability through initiatives such as predator control, native bird protection, community beach clean-ups, a food and beverage carton recycling programme, and a Matariki garden created in partnership with Te Kura Tātahi o Wahī / Waihī Beach School. The garden integrates Māori knowledge and strengthens local food resilience and community ties.

“This only just touching on a small part of the mahi,” Coombes said, noting that the group’s efforts are deeply rooted in kindness, connection and community pride.

The final stage of the competition will see the top three finalists from seven categories announced on February 26, 2025. The New Zealand Community of the Year winner will be announced on March 20, 2025.

For more information about Live Well Waihī Beach, visit https://livewellwaihibeach.co.nz and https://sustainablewaihibeach.co.nz.