Manawatu¯’s heroes celebrated

A handful of Manawatu¯ ’s unsung heroes have been recognised for their efforts this week.

Kiwibank has recognised 13 people from Manawatu¯ in its annual Local Hero Awards, held at Hotel Coachman on Wednesday night.

The awards recognise the contribution everyday people make.

This year’s winners come from a variety of backgrounds, but all have a shown a commitment to bettering the lives of people in the region.

Palmerston North City councillor Adrian Broad was at the event to congratulate and present the attendees with their specially made medals.

‘‘The awards continue to be the perfect opportunity for our community to acknowledge these people and thier efforts in making Manawatu¯ a better place to live,’’ he said.

Manawatu¯ Jazz Club president David Edge, Share a Pair founder Maddison Mcqueen-davies and Gaylene Vivian, who has been involved with Sands Manawatu¯ Horowhenua for 19 years were among the award winners.

Other winners were Sam Polwart, Awhina Nikora, Kyra Leatuafi, Vincent Todd, Amy Mckenna, Dianne Hendry, Lyn Jones and Lyal Brenton.

Filmmaker Richard Turner said it was ‘‘completely unexpected’’ to be named as a winner for a second time, after he won last year.

His film work aims to make te reo and Ma¯ ori culture accessible to the wider public.

This is the 10th year of the Local Hero Awards.

Manawatu¯ ’s Local Hero Award recipients. Back row, from left: Riley Cull, Kyra Leatuafi, Lyal Brenton, Richard Turner, Amy Mckenna and Awhina Nikora. Front row, from left: Lyn Jones, Dianne Hendry, Gaylene Vivian, Maddison Mcqueen-davies, Jake Todd and David Edge.