Ten Hawke’s Bay locals named among New Zealand’s 2026 Local Hero medallists

Pat Gallagher (from left), Lynsey Abbott and Tyson Ataera are among the 10 Hawke's Bay locals recognised as 2026 Tower Local Hero medallists.

Ten Hawke’s Bay residents have been named among the 100 recipients of the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award, an annual honour recognising New Zealanders making a significant and lasting impact in their communities.

The Local Hero medals, part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, acknowledge individuals whose work strengthens whānau, supports wellbeing, responds to emergencies and protects the environment across the country.

Here are this year’s Hawke’s Bay Te Matau-a-Māui Tower Local Hero medallists:

• Carma Anderson’s unwavering dedication and transformative leadership across human welfare, emergency response and animal rescue have made a profound and lasting impact in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay.

• Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod – From founding the world’s first Māori language festival to leading iwi-wide reo strategies, MacLeod is shaping the cultural future of Aotearoa with his work in reo revitalisation and marae restoration.

• Dr Roger Maaka is a respected Māori leader whose lifetime of service spans the military, academia, iwi leadership and community wellbeing in Central Hawke’s Bay and beyond.

• Gaye Campbell has dedicated her retirement to her community and animal welfare. Creating a profound and quiet impact, embodying a powerful kaupapa of compassion, service and unwavering generosity.

• Harlem-Cruz Ihaia is a trailblazing wāhine Māori leader. Through Pūrotu Limited and Making Moves, she is transforming futures for whānau across Aotearoa.

• Lynsey Abbott’s unwavering dedication to her community has transformed lives in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay, embodying aroha and resilience through her kaupapa of providing holistic support to individuals and whānau in their times of greatest need.

• Neill Gordon brings people together with creativity, humour, and an open heart – turning challenges into celebrations, advocating for positive change and consistently working towards a more connected, inclusive community.

• Ngaire Wilma Shand has championed music education for over six decades – profoundly shaping the lives of thousands of children across Aotearoa New Zealand by fostering self-belief and a lifelong love for music.

• Pat Gallagher has strengthened Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay for over 50 years through dedicated service to education, sport, civic projects and community wellbeing.

• Tyson Ataera walks alongside those in crisis through Mates 4 Life and Lift Social Enterprise, opening life-changing conversations about suicide, restoring hope and empowering rangatahi (youth) to find purpose and connection.

A panel of 50 independent judges selected the final 100 medallists from a high number of nominations across the country.

“To the 100 local hero medallists – congratulations, this recognition is a true reflection of the impact you’ve had on Aotearoa," Tower CEO Paul Johnston said.

The medallists are now in the running for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.

Semifinalists for the Local Hero Award, along with six other award categories, will be announced on December 11, with the finalists revealed on February 26 next year. The winners will be named at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards gala on March 19, 2026.