NEW Zealand is full of special souls doing incredible work - often without recognition.
The second annual Pride of New Zealand awards honour these everyday Kiwis who have made extraordinary contributions to the community.
Unsung heroes, rescuers, community leaders, fundraisers, emergency workers, environmental fighters and all-round good sorts will be celebrated at the awards.
There will be six awards up for grabs around four regions - the upper North Island, central North Island, lower North Island and the South Island.
Nominations from Hawke's Bay came in thick and fast with 18 people being put forward for the different categories.
The awards were announced at the New Zealand Herald's 150th birthday celebrations in 2013.
Hawke's Bay Today is working alongside the Herald and The Hits in recognising the efforts of everyday Kiwis who make a real difference in their communities. The awards are sponsored by TSB Bank.
Hawke's Bay Today general manager Russell Broughton said the awards showcase the huge variety of ways in which New Zealanders are contributing to their communities every day.
"Celebrating the generosity and kindness of the Kiwi spirit is an inspiring project for Hawke's Bay Today to be part of and I congratulate everyone who has been nominated," he said.
Editor Andrew Austin said he was pleased that Hawke's Bay Today and NZME were involved in the awards.
"It is such a good feeling to see people, who do not ask for anything, receive the recognition they deserve. It is truly amazing how many people simply go about doing good without anyone ever knowing about it. These awards shine the spotlight on their achievements."
James Cooper, general manager of The Hits radio station, said the awards were important as they recognised the people in the community who went the extra mile.
"These are people in our community who don't seek publicity but do what they do selflessly for the betterment of others. It was an absolute privilege to attend last year and I was humbled by these unsung heroes."
The awards are split into seven different catagories:
The Bravery/Heroism Award recognises those who have selflessly disregarded their own safety in order to help or save the life of another person or persons.
The Community Spirit Award recognises those whose largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those in their community.
The Fundraiser of the Year Award honours those who have gone beyond all expectations to raise money for a good cause.
The Emergency Services Award to professional or volunteer emergency service members who have gone beyond the call of duty.
The Environmental Award thanks those who have positively impacted the environment.
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates ongoing commitment to a cause.
The awards will be judged by a panel of prominent Kiwis.
The regional judging panel was made up of Silver Fern netballer Maria Tutaia, ecostore founder Malcolm Rands, Hospice New Zealand chief executive officer Mary Schumacher, the Weekend Herald and Herald on Sunday editor Miriyana Alexander and The Hits announcer Polly Gillespie.
The overall national award winners will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including NZME chief executive officer Jane Hastings, TSB Bank chief executive officer Kevin Murphy and Sir Peter Leitch.