We want to hear about the selfless, creative, visionary people who are doing extraordinary things for our community.

Nelson's Eelco Boswijk Awards, recognising those in our community who go above and beyond to enrich the lives of others, are now open for nominations.

This year, Nelson City Council is partnering with the Nelson Civic Trust and Nelson Mail to deliver the Eelco Boswijk Awards, making the awards a true community celebration.

About Eelco Boswijk

The civic awards are named after the late Eelco Boswijk, who was one such community champion. Originally from the Netherlands, Eelco established the instantly popular Chez Eelco Café in Nelson in the 1960s, a European-inspired venue at the top of Trafalgar Street that became a centre of artistic and cultural life in the city.

One of his acts of generosity – a $1000 sponsorship grant to Dame Suzie Moncrieff for the fledgeling WearableArt Awards – has carried through to the awards this year. Thanks to our generous sponsors Nelson Civic Trust, NBS Bank, Nelmac, Nelson Pine and Nelson City Council, the winners of each of the five award categories will be able to direct a $1000 donation to a local charity of their choice.

The 2021 award categories are shaped by Council’s mission to shape an exceptional place to live, work and play. To do this, the contributions of our resilient, creative and diverse community are essential, and we celebrate their mahi in our Smart Little City.

Individuals, groups or organisations that have gone the extra mile between June 1, 2019 and 1 May, 2021 can be nominated for the awards, and their deeds must be of benefit to Nelson.

Nominations closed midnight 9 July 2021.

The Categories

Nelson Civic Trust Community Hero

Those who both lead and take part in community activities to make Nelson an even better place. Community heroes may be involved in any sort of voluntary or community work. Those who selflessly give up their time to assist the community, whether that is across one organisation or group, or several.

Nelson Pine Change Maker

Individuals who are creating change, whether it is through their tenacity, experience, and/or generosity, to make a difference and encourage social change for the betterment of others.

NBS Leadership

Individuals, organisations and businesses who go above and beyond to show leadership, provide opportunities for others and give back to the community while educating and encouraging others to do the same.

Nelmac Kaitiakitanga

Those who care for our natural environment through volunteer efforts. This may be through nurturing biodiversity, protecting flora and fauna, improving our freshwater, reducing carbon emissions – any initiative that works toward enhancing or restoring Nelson’s natural environment.

Nelson City Council Smart Little City

Our smart and innovative thinkers who create new possibilities through clever use of resources, technology, or collaboration to achieve our vision of being a Smart Little City.