Judging has begun for the regional finalists in APN's Pride of New Zealand awards.
The awards sparked a huge 693 nominations, including more than 50 from Northland.
Pride of New Zealand, sponsored by the New Zealand Herald, TRN radio station The Hits and TSB Bank, aims to recognise Kiwis who have done something extraordinary to help others.
Judging panels for the regional finalists include NZ Herald editor Shayne Currie, environmental champion and winemaker Peter Yealands, Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, TRN's The Hits' Polly Gillespie and Jo Cowie, director of fundraising at Starship.
Regional finalists in six categories for each of four geographical areas will soon be announced.
The categories are: Bravery/Heroism, Community Spirit, Fundraiser of the Year Award, Emergency Services, Environment and Lifetime Achievement.
Winners will be named at four functions - one for the northern region on August 4 in Auckland, one for the central North Island in Tauranga on August 5 (hosted by the Bay of Plenty Times), one for the lower North Island hosted by Hawke's Bay Today in Hastings on August 6 and one in Christchurch for the South Island on Thursday, August 7. From those regional winners, the overall national winners will then be selected.
The national awards will be judged by broadcaster Judy Bailey, Victoria Cross holder Corporal Willie Apiata, TSB Bank CEO Kevin Murphy and APN New Zealand CEO Jane Hastings.
From Monday, August 11, voting in the TSB Bank's People's Choice Award kicks off, with winners in that section plus the six overall categories being announced at the national final in Auckland on September 10.
For information, go to www.prideofnzawards.co.nz and like the Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/PrideOfNZAwards