What a wonderful afternoon celebrating the people and organisations making a difference across Rotorua.
Our 2026 Rotorua Awards brought together recipients, donors, supporters and community members to recognise more than 50 grants, scholarships and awards.
The afternoon was filled with inspiring stories, plenty of smiles and a real sense of pride in our community. From young people pursuing their goals to local organisations working every day to support others, it was a celebration of the many different ways people are helping Rotorua thrive.
At the heart of these awards are the donors who make them possible. Through the funds they have established, and the gifts made by individuals, families and organisations across our community, opportunities are being created and local organisations supported year after year.
Thank you to our speakers
A special thank you to everyone who spoke and shared their stories with us:
Rosie Riggir – General Manager, Geyser Community Foundation
Councillor Don Paterson – Rotorua Lakes Council
Alan Wills – Chair, , Geyser Community Foundation
Terry Fergusson-Hughes – The Bushman’s Son Fund
Zhongyin Cao – Professional Speaking for Migrants Scholarship Recipient
Elizabeth Pilar – Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Fund
Melody Hore – Michael Pilaar Memorial Music Scholarship and The Bushman’s Son Award
Brittany Jackson – Financial Adviser, Helm Wealth Advisory
Fraser McKenzie – Rotorua Local Outstanding Donor of the Year Award
Te Rika Temara-Benfell – Te Puna Ariki Charitable Trust
Councillor Fisher Wang – Rotorua Lakes Council
Leanne Rankin – Community Engagement Officer, Geyser Community Foundation
Ana Phillips – Western Heights Community Association
Michael Brady – Bay of Plenty Blues Club
Mike Gray – Tipu Waiariki Charitable Trust
Congratulations to all our Geyser Award Recipients
Click on each category below to view the 2026 award recipients.
Fraser McKenzie
Sila Lafaele
Katie Stephens
Zara Pearce
Shayne Hepi
Elliott Crimp
Elliott Crimp
Puhi Ropitini
Ihaia Raimona Davies
Melody Hore
Ella McGarvie
Ammar Almalki
Youngjin Lee
Charith Eranga Agalakada
Niranji Nadeeka Gunawardana
Salma Nugraheni
Shiara Lugo
Weishan Zhong
Yanhong Ma
Zhongyin Cao
Melissa Deal
Alyah Warmington O’Neill
Harry Tamblyn
Rihari Walden
Florence Smith
Simon Gillies
Jasmine Stevenson
Kevin Wu
Melody Hore
Nathanael Barter
Brain Injury Waikato Inc.
The Growing Minds Hub
Lilah Eddy
EFFECT Trust
Mid Island Gym Sports
Vox Aurorae Women’s Chamber Choir
Te Puna Ariki Charitable Trust
Envirohub Rotorua, Repair Café Rotorua
Momentum Charitable Trust
Digital Natives Academy
Karawhiua Charitable Trust
Kimiora Community Trust
Papatūānuku Support Services
Western Heights Community Association
Bay of Plenty Blues Club Incorporated
New Zealand Children’s Choral Academy
St Chads Communication Centre
Opus Orchestra Trust
Kaharoa Kōkako Trust
Lake Okareka Community Association
Tipu Waiariki Charitable Trust
Momentum Charitable Trust
Whānau Enterprise Development Trust
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rotorua
Epilepsy New Zealand
Equisucceed NZ Incorporated
Ko Ta’ua Tāua Trust
SEEN Learning Collective
Te Aratu Trust
