This month on nzgirl we are all about empowering you with the knowledge you need to be informed; engaging you on topical issues like the upcoming elections and the environment and activating you to make a stand and have your voice heard!

In association with Westpac, we're also launching the inaugural nzgirl Actionista awards. We want to recognise local, national and international Actionistas who are shining examples of women who are doing us all proud.

We’ve got five categories, listed below, and we’re on the hunt to find out who the reigning Actionistas are from your hometown through to Hollywood…

And the categories are…
•    Best grass roots nzgirl Actionista
We’re on the hunt for an nzgirl who’s doing her bit for her local community or the world on a wider scale whether socially or environmentally. An unsung hero in your community, or perhaps it’s you!
•    Best well known nzgirl Actionista
We want to salute well known nzgirls who are making a difference and perhaps using their profile or presence to also make a difference
•    Best Global Actionista
Change can come from anyone or anywhere. We want to know who your big time role models are when it comes to inspiring change.
•    Best Actionista Website
The web provides a great platform to empower, educate and engage Actionistas into action! What sites have you found that give you the inspiration and information to make a change?
•    Best Actionista Company/Brand/Product
It’s not just about individuals! Change has to also stem from business and the corporate world. What companies, brands and products do you feel take an active stance on making a contribution to the world?

Have YOUR say
In the Actionista spirit, we’re all about finding out what you think! So your nominations will help our judging panel pick their winners. We want to know who YOUR Actionista heroes are, click here to get nominating – and get yourself in the draw for one of three $700 Actionista hampers!

Judging Panel

Tee Twyford, nzgirl editor
“We are all about engaging and empowering you, our nzgirl readers to have a say and make a stand so this is a great chance to get involved. I’m also particularly excited about the Actionista awards being a way of celebrating people and companies who are making a difference to this world in their own way. I can’t wait to discover the role models that you guys most admire”

Suzie Marsden, Westpac’s Head of Corporate Responsibility
“Actionista is going really wide with this campaign, profiling unsung heroes as well as well known New Zealanders who are all working together to ensure this planet has longevity. The holistic approach is essential – it’s vital that all New Zealanders get excited, not only about environmental sustainability, but also social responsibility – being good neighbours, increasing people’s health and well being, helping to sustain the good things about living in New Zealand.

Westpac is passionate about sustainability in all these areas, and that’s expressed well in our motto: Making the most of life. We try to live it through community involvement, sponsorship and best practice in sustainability.”

Bianca Talaic, Bare PR Account Manager
“Bare PR is an organic, eco friendly PR comapany, so being involved in this campaign gives me the chance to encourage and inspire like-minded individuals and celebrate the people making a difference to our precious planet. “

What are you waiting for? Click here and get voting...