Nga Tapuwae o Matou Tupuna (Footsteps of Our Ancestors) is a partnership between the Shirley-Papanui Community Board and the Rehua Marae.

The scheme is to give heritage awards that acknowledge initiatives that promote, revisit and restore treasures of historical significance in their district.

The awards are to encourage individuals and groups to take pride in their local heritage.

The five categories are cultural and-or spiritual significance; children (two sections) 5-12 years and 13-18 years; education and awareness; good caretaker; and conservation and restoration.

The chairwoman of the Shirley-Papanui Community Board, Yvonne Palmer, officially launched the awards during Heritage Week.

Nominations will close on 15 March with judging and a presentation in April.

Details and entries: Community Heritage Award, Papanui Service Centre, PO Box 5142, Papanui or Rehua Marae, PO Box 21 260, St Albans.