Nominations open for Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year
Each November for the last nine years we have asked ourselves who in our community has done the most for Taranaki.
This year we are doing something different. We are asking you for nominations for the Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year.
Last year it was Patea Area School principal Nicola Ngarewa who received the recognition.
Ngarewa’s innovative approach at the school saw it move from being one of the lowest academically ranked in the country to achieving a 100 per cent pass rate in Level 2 NCEA. Her leadership not only saw the school’s roll increase but for the first time in 14 years it was able to field a First XV and hold a school ball.
Previous winners have included double amputee Ben Hekenui, world rugby superstar Beauden Barrett, New Plymouth business man Bryce Barnett, Community Constable Nelson Pulotu and former Pukekura Park curator George Fuller.
Then there was Gabby Devine, the 13-year-old founder of Starlit Hope charity who died battling cancer in 2015, Nigel Ogle of the Hawera’s renowned Tawhiti Museum and New Plymouth’s rescue man Andy Cronin.
There are no set criteria for becoming the Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year. Some of our past winners have achieved great things for their community.
Some have overcome personal adversity and become an inspiration for everyone.
All have done something beyond the normal expectations.
This year we want to know who you think deserves to be recognised.
❚ You can send your nomination to editor@dailynews.co.nz, add it to the comments below, send us a message on our Facebook page or even post us a letter. All you need to include is your name, your person’s name and why they deserve to be the Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year. Nominations close on Monday November 27. The winner, like always, will be announced on January 1, 2018.