Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards

These awards honour members of the community who have made absolutely positive contributions to our city.

All the APW winners with special guests and elected members at Te Papa venue.
Mayor Foster and Councillors with 2022 APW Award recipients

Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards (APWs) are one way for the Council to honour members of the community who have made outstanding or lengthy contributions, usually in a voluntary capacity, to the capital and its people.

The awards are presented once a year. 

History 

Established in 1986, they were originally known as the Civic Awards, recognising Wellingtonians who had given significant voluntary service in the areas of community service or welfare, sport, culture, the arts, recreation and education.

In 1994, Wellington’s then mayor Fran Wilde suggested reinvigorating the awards, to acknowledge those who have made a significant contribution to the city, often out of the public eye.

Five years later, in 1999, the Civic Awards became the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards. 

2022 APW Awards

The annual Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards 2022 recognised 17 recipients for their commitment to the Wellington community.

Past recipients 

Citations were originally presented during Wellington City Council meetings to those who have given back to the community by saving and restoring historic buildings, installing public artworks and setting up residents' groups and film festivals.

They have acknowledged the contribution of bloggers, cyclists, artists, musicians, fashion-designers and businesspeople.

In 2017, the awards became an annual event with a formal ceremony to honour the recipients, a format that continues today.

Check out past recipients' archive

Other awards

Other city awards that Council offer include: