Local Heroes awarded for services to Hawke's Bay

Wayne Hema (back left), Renee Hickey, Lloyd Lawrence, Whiu Carroll, Kathy Grant, Dorothea Mullen, Paul Geerston, Lynn Gordon (front left), Pamela O'Keefe, Gabrielle Allen, Jacqueline Edwards. Photo/Supplied

The annual Kiwibank Local Hero Awards have seen some of the most selfless, optimistic and generous Hawke's Bay residents recognised for their service to the community.

As part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2018, 13 Hawke's Bay locals received their Local Hero medals at a special ceremony at the Kiwibank office in Hastings.

Pamela Anne O'Keefe (Flaxmere), Paul Geertson (Flaxmere), Kiri Swannell (Napier), Whiu Carroll (Napier), Sallie Dunford (Napier), Jacqueline Edwards (Hastings), Lloyd Lawrence (Waipukurau), Renee Hicky (Waipukurau), Kathy Grant (Wairoa), Wayne Michael Hema (Waiora), Lyn Gordon (Wairoa), Dorothea Millen (Hawke's Bay) and Gabrielle Allen (Hawke's Bay) were those who were named.

Hastings Acting Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said: "This year's recipients are selfless, loving and dedicated people who have made a significant difference to our community in special ways. We are blessed to have such wonderful people in our Hastings community."

Along with Ms Hazlehurst, Napier Mayor Bill Dalton, and Central Hawke's Bay Mayor Alex Walker also attended the ceremony to congratulate and present medals to this year's winners.

They commended the recipients for their achievements in the community, saying the awards ceremony is a fantastic and vital opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of many in the region.

Mr Dalton said: "The positive difference they have made to the lives of others cannot be overstated. It's important we as a community take time to reflect and acknowledge the special place these people hold in our lives."

Mr Walker was "proud to present my region's winners medals today".

"The Local Hero Awards is such a wonderful way to thank those in the community who are always going the extra mile for others."

With the intention of celebrating and honouring those who have made a positive contribution to their region, town, suburb or community, the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards is New Zealand's premier community award.

Over the next few weeks, 340 Local Hero medals will be presented nationwide with the national Local Heroes winner to be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala in Auckland next February.

The 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards are to be presented in six award categories, with the overall winner of each category to be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala on February 22, 2018.

The categories include; Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year, University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year, Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year, Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year, Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year.

Kiwibank acting chief executive Mark Stephen said the bank's nationwide network of staff were humbled and proud to be supporting communities to celebrate their "Local Heroes" over the past nine years.

"Many of these medal winners are unsung heroes, whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many in the community.

"Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are what make New Zealand such a special place to live in. We think it's important for us to give thanks to these people and that's why we sponsor the Local Hero Awards."