Buster, the beloved cat who greets people at Wastebusters Alexandra, is earning her keep, one award at a time.

The tabby, who has frequented the organisation’s social media pages, was named Accidental Social Media Person “with a difference” at the Not-for-Profit Social Media Awards on Wednesday night.

Wastebusters Alexandra was also named Best Social Media Channel in New Zealand.

The awards, offered for the first time by Hancock Creative, were open to all not-for-profit organisations across New Zealand and Australia.

Wastebusters Alexandra communications coordinator Alexia Johnston said it was an exciting moment for the organisation, which is on a journey to zero waste, to be recognised, let alone win.

Buster has won hearts of judges at the recent Not-for-Profit Social Media Awards. PHOTO: Supplied

“As you could imagine, we were up against some great organisations, including Carbon Positive Australia, Stepping Stones Clubhouse and PetRescue to name a few, so it was such a surprise to take home, not just one win, but two.”

She said although Buster was often at the forefront of the company’s Facebook posts, the page’s overall success was a collective effort.

“We owe a big thanks to so many people - the truck drivers who allow us to take photos and videos of them loading up with our recyclable materials, shop staff for agreeing to be in photos and for tempting Buster with treats because, believe it or not, she’s not always in the mood to be the face of Wastebusters.

“The general public is also part of our success story because both Wastebusters and Buster are owned by the community.”

The award winning tabby has also found her voice in recent weeks, after realising she needed to create an acceptance speech for the ceremony.

Thanks to technology, she defied all odds with a short clip via a special app.

“Buster’s social media presence will remain an integral part of the Alexandra Wastebusters brand, especially now the technology exists to give her a voice,” Alexia

said.

Founder and director of Hancock Creative Alecia Hancock, who MCd the awards ceremony via a livestream, said the aim of the awards was to recognise people (and animals) who worked behind the scenes, in areas that sometimes get “overlooked”.

“The Awards were established as a way to highlight the amazing work being done by so many worthy causes - they need and deserve more recognition.

“We champion worthy causes in everything we do at Hancock Creative and the awards are another way to show that we see and value the sector.”

She said social enterprise was the way of the future.

“I admire the self-sustaining model of a strong social enterprise and their ability to grow from their own success.”