The United North Piha Lifeguard Service service was supreme winner at the 2009 Infratil-Waitakere City Council Community Awards announced last night.

The annual awards celebrate the work of voluntary groups and organisations throughout Waitakere and were presented at a ceremony in the Council chambers.

The United North Piha Lifeguard Service, which also won the Sport and Leisure category, was described by Culture and Community Committee chair Judy Lawley as "thoroughly deserving" of the recognition that comes with the award.

"I'm extremely pleased to see the United North Piha Lifeguard Service win this award - they are rescuing people and saving lives daily throughout the summer at Piha and this goes some way to showing how much Waitakere appreciates their efforts," Cr Lawley says.

"And while there is only one supreme winner, these awards are about honouring all the organisations that enter - it's one of the rare occasions where our community organisations are publicly showcased and thanked."

The full list of winners is:

Heritage and Environment: West Auckland Historical Society

Health and Wellbeing: West Auckland Parents Centre

Arts and Culture: Pacifica Mamas Arts and Culture Trust

Sport and Leisure: United North Piha Lifeguard Service Inc.

Educational and Child Youth Development: Carey Park Adventure Camp Trust Board Also under this category - Highly Commended: Leataata Ole Lumanui Trust Pasifika Preschool

Overall Supreme Winner: United North Piha Lifeguard Service Inc.