Community hero humbled by Flaxmere honour

Larry Jessup (centre) with his whanau.

A man who has done it all is Mr May for the 2017 Flaxmere Heroes Calendar.

Larry Jessup has been a national party candidate, on the board of trustees at Flaxmere Primary School, a coach and manager for provincial and national levels of softball, rugby league and basketball and a driver of education, all while being a father, husband and grandfather.

Mr Jessup said he was humbled and amazed to be nominated.

"It is an awesome feeling and I am thankful to those who put my name forward, as it is an absolute honour. This month is not just for me it is for all of the people."

Mr Jessup has lived in Flaxmere for more than 30 years with his wife Kellie and works full-time at Te Kupenga A te Huki Kohanga Reo.

He has been a loyal advocate of Pa Harakeke since 1976.

Mr Jessup said his love for Flaxmere stems from the people in the community.

"It is a hard road out there for some but everyone has dreams and if people fulfil their dreams then that is progress. The people make it an amazing place to live and grow."

Education was another key area Mr Jessup focused on, as he said it made everyone's lives better.

"Ninety per cent go to Kura, that is the beauty of it. If whanau go to schools then more people will keep going.

"Just look at the audience and you can see all of the beauty and strength we have."

When Mr Jessup received the award,15 people in the crowd performed a haka to him to show respect and gratitude.

"I just want to make the lives of people better and I am so grateful to you all."

U-Turn Trust ambassador Henare O'Keefe said there was not much Mr Jessup would not put his hand too and he was valuable member of the Flaxmere community.