Editorial: Good news is at hand

Kylie Lang has talked to the <i>Rotorua Daily Post</i> in the past about her motivation for the mammoth effort. Photo / Ben Fraser

Today's paper features two very different locals, who have one thing in common.

Each in their own way are on a journey to better themselves, help others and be a role model for others in the community.

Kylie Lang is preparing to take on part two of her I'm Not Alone walk, raising funds and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation.

She's already walked the length of the North Island and in October will tackle the South Island, with friends and strangers alongside her.

Ms Lang has talked to the Rotorua Daily Post in the past about her motivation for the mammoth effort - which includes the suicide of both her father and brother.

Her goal is to get people talking about mental health, to make it not such a taboo subject.

For that, and the sheer physical effort involved in walking for 80-something days, she is to be commended.

As is Rawiri Te Kowhai, who talks today about his journey from overweight and unhealthy to fit, healthy and a mentor to others.

As many people will have experienced, when you're overweight, unhappy and living an unhealthy life, it can be difficult to pull yourself out of that.

Mr Te Kowhai has done so and in the process is proving to be a strong role model to his 10 children and other men, particularly Maori men who all too often die young.

They are just two examples of locals working for good in the community.

Many more out there are quietly going about achieving their own personal goals, in the process acting as inspiration to others whether they know it or not.

Telling the news as it is inevitably means telling negative stories.

It can get you down to write, as much as it may get people down to read.

That's why stories like Ms Lang and Mr Te Kowhai are so vital to tell. If you know of someone inspirational in our community, whose story we haven't yet told, we would love to hear from you.