Former Hawke's Bay basketball player Patrick O'Brien has dedicated a large part of his adult life to making his community a better place.
Despite being reluctant to accept the recognition, having been asked a few times, Mr O'Brien was convinced this time round.
Featured in the month of March, the athlete notes that it is "always nice to be recognised for what you do. It is an honour to be in it and to represent where I am from."
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Active-living advocate Mr August Talalelei Taufale
Flaxmere Heroes in our community celebrated on calendar
Among other things, he is the founder and organiser of "Battle for Life", which is the longest-running boxing event in Hawke's Bay.