We are incredibly proud to share that Safeguarding Children has been named one of three finalists for the 2026 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Award, Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau.
The award is part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, which celebrate individuals and communities who are making a meaningful difference across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Community of the Year Award recognises communities achieving powerful collective impact. Through connection, resilience and shared purpose, these groups demonstrate what is possible when people come together to do good.
Nominees for the award must be a group, organisation or community that has made a significant contribution to their region, community or cause. They are recognised for the impact they are making, the leadership they demonstrate, and the way they inspire collective action toward positive change.
Being named a finalist is a very meaningful moment for our team.
A recognition shared with our community
Safeguarding Children exists to strengthen the systems that protect children. But this work has never belonged to one organisation alone.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands of professionals, volunteers and community leaders are working every day to create safer environments for children and young people. Teachers, early learning educators, health professionals, sports leaders, community organisations and volunteers are all part of this shared effort.
This recognition reflects the commitment of the many people who have chosen to prioritise safeguarding practice.
Every organisation that has strengthened its policies.
Every professional who has attended safeguarding training.
Every leader who has chosen prevention over reaction.
Every advocate who has spoken up for children’s safety.
This honour belongs to all of you.
Celebrating the finalists
We are humbled to stand alongside the other finalists for the 2026 Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Award:
- Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay
- Rei Kōtuku Charitable Trust – Children’s Palliative Care Service
Both organisations are doing extraordinary work in their communities, and we are honoured to be recognised alongside them.
The winners will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala on 19 March, where communities from across the country will gather to celebrate the collective impact being made across Aotearoa.
Building safer systems for children
While it is encouraging to see safeguarding recognised in this way, the work continues.
Too many children in Aotearoa still experience harm. Strengthening safeguarding capability across our communities remains one of the most important ways we can change that.
We are grateful to everyone who walks this journey with us.
Together we are strengthening safeguarding practice, building safer systems and ensuring that children’s safety and wellbeing remain at the centre of our communities.
Together, we can make a difference.
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Strengthening safeguarding capability
If you work with children and want to strengthen safeguarding capability in your organisation, we offer specialist training, policy support and Child Protection Lead development.
Explore our training and resources>