Find Person of the Year

We need your help in finding the 2018 Hawke’s Bay Today Person of the Year.

He or she could be someone who has made a significant contribution to the community in charity, fundraising or non-profit activities. Or someone who has achieved remarkable success in business, career or sport, or heroic actions.

Those nominated have large shoes to fill. Last year’s winner was Maraenui community worker Minnie Ratima, honoured for her sacrifice helping others.

In 2016, Bill and Anne Perry were dubbed the “saviours of the Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park” after sealing a deal with the Napier and Hastings councils and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to keep the park forever in public hands.

The 2015 winner, Ian Emmerson, was described by one judge as epitomising “the great Bay man”.

Paediatrician and Children’s Commissioner Russell Wills was the judges’ unanimous choice the year before, while inaugural winner, Flaxmere Boxing Academy head coach Craig McDougall, was also chosen unanimously.

Hawke’s Bay Today deputy editor Mark Story said he was proud to get behind the annual quest. “Hawke’s Bay has so many people doing amazing things and we see this as an opportunity to give praise to a deserving person. These people don’t do what they do for any recognition, but we believe it is important to shine a light on their achievements.”

The winner will be announced before Christmas.

■ Nominations to news@hbtoday.co.nz with a few sentences explaining why you have chosen that person.