Award nominations call

The call has gone out to nominate Porirua residents to be New Zealander of the Year.

Nominations close on September 30 and Porirua mayor Nick Leggett had no doubt the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year could be someone from Porirua.

‘‘One of the best things about my job is I get to meet or hear people doing fantastic things for our community and for New Zealand,’’ he said. ‘‘These are people whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many others.

‘‘They’ve made New Zealand a better place to live, yet their achievements are often unrecognised. We should show the rest of the country that our people are New Zealand’s very best.’’

The New Zealander of the Year Awards, sponsored by Kiwibank and in its sixth year, is the ultimate accolade for New Zealanders, Leggett said.

Any member of the public can nominate an individual or community organisation in the awards programme.

In addition to the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year, awards for young New Zealander, community of the year, senior New Zealander, innovator and local hero are also up for grabs.

Earlier this year, Tim DaviesColley of Porirua was named a finalist in the latter category.

The local hero awards provide a unique and special way to acknowledge people doing great things in the community, from school bus drivers to nurses or sports coaches.

For more information visit nzawards.co.nz.