Paper helps to drive campaign to find our community heroes

Nominations are now open.

The Bay of Plenty Times is getting behind a project to find deserving heroes in our community and we want you to submit your nominations now.

We're looking for those everyday Kiwis who selflessly strive to make New Zealand an even better place to live.

They'll be celebrated as part of the nationwide Pride of New Zealand Awards, which will recognise leaders, campaigners, volunteers, teachers, care givers and other unsung heroes who have done something extraordinary in their community.

The award is supported by the Bay of Plenty Times together with sponsors The New Zealand Herald, radio station The Hits, and TSB Bank.

Awards categories will be judged by a panel of prominent Kiwis and our readers will also get to have a say through the TSB Bank's People's Choice Award.

Regional winners will be named in early August and national winners will be announced at a ceremony in September.

The categories are:

Bravery/Heroism Award - recognising those who have selflessly disregarded their own safety in order to help or save the life of another person or persons.

Community Spirit Award - recognising those whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those in their community.

Fundraiser of the Year Award - recognising those who have gone beyond all expectations to raise money for a good cause, however large or small the amount.

Emergency Services Award - recognising those professional or volunteer emergency service members who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect their community.

Environmental Award - recognising those who have positively impacted the environment, making a difference to the wider community.

Lifetime Achievement - recognising those whose ongoing commitment to their cause has enriched the lives of others, making New Zealand a better place to live.

For more information and to submit your nominations, visit the Pride of New Zealand website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz