Dr Russell Wills, Children's Commissioner and paediatrician at Hawke's Bay Hospital, has been named the 2014 Hawke's Bay Today Person of the Year.
When notified that the judging panel of Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin, Napier Deputy Mayor Faye White and Hastings District Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers were unanimous in their decision, Dr Wills said he was humbled by the honour and proud to receive it.
Dr Wills said he had "great teams" working with him within the commission and the hospital and his focus would never sway from working to create a better life and better future for children at risk and children in need.
The judges were not only impressed with Dr Wills' achievements and devotion to his work - they were equally impressed at the calibre of the eventual finalists.
Alongside Dr Wills, in the final run up for the title, were Gary Mellett, Kerry and Kiri Swannell, Regan Gough and Stephen Huata.