Pride of NZ: Silver Ferns star joins judging panel

Maria Tutaia joins the panel of judges for the Pride of New Zealand awards.

Regional judges for the 2015 Pride of New Zealand Awards have been announced, with nominations for the annual awards, honouring extraordinary Kiwis making a significant difference in their communities, open until Sunday, June 14.

Silver Fern netballer Maria Tutaia returns to the all-star judging panel this year, alongside New Zealand Herald editor Shayne Currie and The Hits host Polly Gillespie.

Two highly respected people have been selected as new judges in 2015.

Both are leaders in their field and have shown great compassion and passion in their individual missions to help others.

They are Ecostore founder Malcolm Rands and Hospice New Zealand chief executive Mary Schumacher.

"It is an absolute privilege to be taking part in these awards that reward selfless and remarkable acts of bravery," Mr Rands said.

"New Zealand is a country full of kind-hearted, inspirational and heroic people who, although ordinary, manage extraordinary feats. I am certain that judging the hundreds of nominations will be no small task."

Nominations for the awards, held in conjunction with NZME.'s New Zealand Herald and radio station The Hits, and major sponsor TSB Bank, remain open until June 14.

There are six award categories, including honouring acts of bravery or heroism, community spirit, fundraising efforts and those involved with emergency services. New Zealanders of any age are eligible to be nominated.

Regional award ceremonies will take place in August, followed by the national Pride of New Zealand Awards ceremony, to be held on the evening of September 16.

-For further details and how to make a nomination, visit www.prideofnzawards.co.nz

The Pride of New Zealand Awards can also be found on Facebook - PrideOfNZAwards.