He's now owner and operator of Nga Tukemata o Kahungunu, a service which helps people badly affected by strokes and other accidents reconnect their hands and minds.
For a decade he and wife Marie survived on $125 a week while he volunteered his time to help others and built a waka to be used as part of the therapy he provided, as well as education.
His goal is to benefit individuals from all cultures and walks of life.
"I work with permanently disabled stroke victims. Many of them were fit people until they became a victim of this uncertainty - it might be someone who has had an accident, whether on the sporting field or in a vehicle - a lot of them were very talented people but they have a disability," he said.
"Some have good minds but their limbs are affected or vice versa - we don't leave any of them behind.
"My work is very rewarding. I grew up with people with disabilities so I wanted to focus on bettering the lives of the disabled."
Mr Edwards previously worked with Corrections but felt the disabled required his help more as their condition wasn't "self-inflicted".
He said it would be an honour to win.
"It really would mean a hell of a lot. I'm just glad I was able to put this all together and to try make a difference in their lives."
Regional award winners will be judged by the national judging panel, including Judy Bailey and Willie Apiata, and will be recognised at the national award ceremony in September.
