The finalists in the Pride of New Zealand Awards have been announced.
Winners from these categories will be named at functions in the first week of August and will then go on to the national final on September 10.
Pride of New Zealand, sponsored by the Rotorua Daily Post, New Zealand Herald, TRN radio station The Hits and TSB Bank, aims to find and recognise Kiwi campaigners, volunteers, caregivers, teachers and other unsung heroes who have done something extraordinary to help others.
For information, go to www.prideofnzawards.co.nz and like the Facebook page for updates: www.facebook.com/PrideOfNZAwards
The following are the Central North Island finalists:
Bravery and heroism
Deane O'Connor, Tauranga
Buddy Harwood, Athenree
Community Spirit
Shelley Blair, Te Awamutu
Julie King, Tokoroa
Steve Pearson, Tauranga
Emergency Services
Maera Maki, Murupara
Shane Beech, Te Puke
Blair Gilbert, Rotorua
Environment
Taupo Bird Rescue, Taupo
Tony Howse, Whangamata
Lance Talstra, Mount Maunganui
Fundraiser of the Year
Peter Blackwell, Tauranga
Lea Thompson, Kaingaroa
Keri and Ryan Topperwein,
Whakatane
Lifetime Achievement
Colin Smyth, Rotorua
Noel Hewlett, Whitianga
Jenny Edwards, Whitianga