Dressage Celebrating Volunteers with Vivant Equi

Vivant Equi and  Dressage NZ have partnered to celebrate our prized Volunteers in the 2025-26 season

Definition: Volunteers | tūao give their unpaid time and skills to communities and causes they believe in. (Volunteering NZ)

Volunteers are vital to communities, offering time, energy, and expertise to help others. The Vivant Equi Volunteer of the Month and Year awards will recognise those  volunteers who go above and beyond.

Monthly recognition celebrates everyday heroes, fostering kindness and community. Recipients often reach higher milestones like Volunteer of the Year, encouraging ongoing involvement.

“For the writers, the runners, the poo pickers, the judges, the announcers, the arena groomers, the scorers, the Area Delegates, the Treasurers, the AJO’s, the Presidents, the cup-of-tea makers, the scone bakers, the event secretaries, the first aiders, the committee members, the helpers and everyone else who make our sport great!”

Volunteer of the Month Award:  This Award recognises community volunteers, helping Area groups highlight individuals and promote appreciation. It acknowledges both short-term achievements and ongoing efforts to encourage volunteers and support Area goals. Selection focuses on recent acts of service, leadership, or creativity supporting Area activities. A rotating committee may be used to ensure fairness and diversity.

Volunteer of the Month Award includes:  A certificate of appreciation, A $50 gift voucher from Vivant Equi, sponsor of the Dressage NZ “Volunteer Awards”; A feature on the Dressage NZ website and FB page.

Volunteer of the Year includes: The primary reward is recognition, additional rewards  include: A $200 gift voucher from Vivant Equi:  Two Complimentary tickets to the DNZ Annual Awards dinner;  A commemorative deluxe rosette; Media features in online platforms.

 Volunteer of the Month Nomination Form

Vivant Equi Volunteer Awards Criteria for Areas

 Area Groups & Branches are invited to nominate their super hero volunteer  – check the list when your nomination needs to be with Dressage NZ