They were former Waitaki mayoress Heather Familton (Palmerston), Margaret Jamison (Round Hill-Reidston), Ina Munro (Otematata), June Taylor (Kurow) and Ted Tempero (Oamaru).
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the awards were ''a really great way'' for the community to recognise the time and service recipients had given through their work over the years.
''So much great work is done by volunteers in our community and the Waitaki district is all the better for having this fine group here.
''Today is an acknowledgement and celebration of their contribution,'' he said.
Mrs Familton's award was for her involvement in the community through Women's Division of Federated Farmers (WDFF, now Rural Women), East Otago High School, meals-on-wheels and as Waitaki mayoress in support of her husband, Alex Familton, between 2007 and 2013.
Mrs Jamison received her award for her involvement in WDFF, Plunket, school boards, hall committees, the Weston Church, Totara Estate where she is a volunteer, Victorian Wardrobe and Victorian Precinct.
Mrs Munro's award recognised her contribution in health, particularly in the Waitaki Valley, as a physiotherapist in Oamaru and at her home at Otematata, a member of the former Waitaki Hospital Board, her campaign to have the former Kurow Maternity Hospital turned into a community-owned home for the elderly, pre- and post-natal clinics in the valley and support for the Otematata and Kurow Presbyterian parishes.
Mrs Taylor was recognised for her work in the Kurow and Hakataramea Valley communities, particularly Plunket, the Waitaki Collie Dog Club, Waitaki Valley School, Kurow Presbyterian Church, Kurow Rugby Club and as a marriage celebrant.
Mr Tempero's award was for his contribution to cricket through the Union Cricket Club, North Otago and Otago Cricket Associations as a player, administrator and project manager, during which he oversaw three upgrades of Union's pavilion at King George Park and the development of a first-class cricket wicket at Centennial Park.
