Heroes who do so much for rest of us

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

Mel Chittenden, Wendy Pettigrew, Ben Pryor, Kevin Randles, Bev Way ...

Five very different people who now have something in common - they have all been nominated for a prestigious national honour, the Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Actually, they already had something in common. All had given outstanding service to the community and the country.

Mel Chittenden is a St John paramedic; Wendy Pettigrew an unstinting advocate for our heritage; Ben Pryor an NZ Air Force pilot; Kevin Randles a Scout leader, teacher and supporter of youth; Bev Way a St John cadet trainer.

Ordinary people doing remarkable work in our district and fully deserving of their nominations along with other unsung heroes around New Zealand whose names have been put forward for their selfless contribution.

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are a celebration. A celebration of good folk doing great things - things which to them probably seem commonplace and everyday but which are, simply, making New Zealand a better place to live.

These people do not get their names in lights - and do not seek to. But now, with these awards, they are getting a well-earned spell in the spotlight.

The Chronicle has already featured four of these nominees and today on page 5 we feature the fifth, Kevin Randles.

Other members of the Wanganui community have also been put forward for the awards and we will relish the chance to write about them on our pages. And there is still the chance for more of our unsung heroes to be nominated.

If you know of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to local life, here's a chance to give them some of the recognition they deserve.

Nominations and more information are available online at the Pride of New Zealand website - www.prideofnzawards.co.nz