AIMES awards submissions closing on 19 January 2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I AM NOT SURE WHICH CATEGORY I SHOULD BE ENTERING?

The AIMES Awards are broken down into the below categories. You should submit an application for whichever category you think sounds the most like you.  Our judges do sometimes switch people into a different category if they feel your application suits it better. You are welcome to list on your application that you are uncertain which category you match (common changeovers are between The Arts with Music or Innovation with Education).

  • The Arts
  • Innovation (Science & Technology)
  • Music
  • Education
  • Sport
  • Service to the Community

DO I FIT INTO THE SCHOLARSHIP, EMERGING TALENT OR AIMES JUDGING SECTION?

You don’t need to worry about that on your application. Our panel of judges will decide which Award Level you are most suitable to receive.

WHAT IF I AM OUTSIDE THE AGE RANGE?

Applications must be aged 13 – 25 (inclusive) as at Friday 19 January 2024.

Unfortunately our applications are age restrictive and you do need to fit within this bracket. Do email us to register your interest for future applications if someone is too young as we will be sure to keep you in the loop for the following years!

WHAT IS THE NORTH HARBOUR REGION?

We use the same boundaries as North Harbour Rugby Union. North of Auckland Harbour Bridge from Devonport, through the East Coast Bays, Silverdale, Orewa and as far north as Warkworth. It heads NorWest to Massey East and as far west as Kumeu.

I'M TRYING TO LOG IN BUT I DON'T HAVE A GOOGLE ACCOUNT?

All applications this year are though Google Forms so you will need a Google Account to access the application form.  Email Jodie Rawle on info@northharbourclub.co.nz or 021 628 581 if you need more information.  

I HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE LINK?

Don't worry, just email info@northharbourclub.co.nz and we can resend the link.

WE ARE A GROUP - CAN WE SUBMIT AN ENTRY?

Yes you can, and groups have successfully won categories in the past. Please do note however that the application form is designed largely for individual entries - complete as much as you can and then contact us to talk through how to finalise. We can help you at any stage of this so please don't hesitate to be in touch.

I AM OUT OF NEW ZEALAND CURRENTLY - CAN I STILL APPLY?

Yes of course. We understand that your talents often take you overseas for periods of time. We have Zoom or Teams interview capabilities for those not able to be here during the interviewing timeframes.

I ENTERED FOR AN AWARD LAST YEAR AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL - SHOULD I ENTER AGAIN? 

Absolutely! We encourage any application, whether successful or not, to enter again. If you applied last year, your new application will be based on what you have achieved in the period since your last application. Ensure you focus on this in your application. 

I WON AN AWARD LAST YEAR - AM I DISADVANTAGED IF I ENTER AGAIN?

Not at all. In fact, many of our Supreme Winners actually started out by winning an Emerging Talent or AIMES category first. It is not uncommon for someone to win a category more than once across a number of years. Please note that previous winners are invited and encouraged to apply, however they must follow the pathway - Scholarship > Emerging Talent > AIMES Awards > AIMES Supreme Winner. Applicants can apply once they have reached the next level. ie: Emerging Talent/AIMES Awards winners can apply after relevant achievements following their awards**

WHAT MAKES A GOOD APPLICATION?

The 'Present Your Case' section of the application is key to a good application. This is where you detail why you believe you qualify for an AIMES Award. Include your achievements to date in your chosen category and any other relevant achievements. Please also include your future aspirations, intended development programmes (including indicative costs and timing) and how you would spend any funds awarded.

THE DEADLINE IS 5:00PM ON FRIDAY 19 January 2024 - CAN I GET AN EXTENSION ON THIS?

Unfortunately to ensure judging is fair for all applications, there are no extensions available beyond the deadline. If for some reason you won’t have access to a computer by the deadline date you will need to account for this and submit your application earlier (the earlier the better!). We strongly recommend that you don’t put yourself in a position where technical difficulties or unforeseen circumstances could stop you from submitting on time. We suggest your application is finished and submitted at least 24 hours prior to the deadline.

CAN I START MY APPLICATION AND COME BACK TO IT LATER TO FINISH?

You sure can (and most people do this). This is a Google Form and it saves as you go so you can revert back to your last update and continue. The judges won't have access to your application until after you have submitted the form to us.   

I WOULD LIKE TO SEND SOME SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS THAT ARE TOO LARGE FOR THE ONLINE FILE UPLOAD?

The maximum file size online is 10MB. In the first instance if your file is above this, email info@northharbourclub.co.nz with your full name in the subject line. If there is a format that needs to be posted, please email the above address and notify that you are posting. Send to:

Attn AIMES Awards Applications

PO Box 300 558
Albany
Auckland
 
I'VE SUBMITTED MY ONLINE APPLICATION - WHAT NEXT?

You should receive an automatic reply to your form notifying that your final application has been submitted. If you do not receive this, please email info@northharbourclub.co.nz for confirmation.  Note: you may need to resubmit the application again.

Our panel of judges will review all applications following the closing date. You will be notified if you have made it through to the interview stage within 4-6 weeks.  

If you are unsuccessful in your application this time, you will be notified around mid March.

HOW DO THE INTERVIEWS WORK?

These are held onsite at central locations on the North Shore (video available for those not in Auckland). Interviews are typically 15 minutes long and give the panel a chance to meet you in person and talk through your application. We promise they are very friendly!

WHEN WILL I FIND OUT IF I HAVE WON AN AWARD?

Following the round of interviews, successful applicants will be notified via email. After that, you will receive information about the relevant Awards Functions which is where you will be presented with the Award.

IF SUCCESSFUL, WHEN WOULD THE PRIZE MONEY BE AVAILABLE? 

Winners are publicly announced at the annual awards functions in June 2024. Money would then be deposited to you after this date.

ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS OF ME AFTER WINNING AN AWARD?

The North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust has over 250 members and sponsors that love to hear what you have achieved since winning your Award. You will become part of the AIMES Winners Network, receiving information and invitations to upcoming Club events and we will request frequent updates on your journey to share with our community.

The North Harbour Club cannot be held responsible for any applications that are not received.
Eligibility will be decided by the Judging Panel and no correspondence will be entered into.


Thanks to the ongoing support of our fantastic sponsors