Recognising people helping communities
Four people from Manawatū are on the list of 100 named as the Kiwibank local hero medallists.
The 100 medallists for the local-hero-ofthe-year award Te Pou Toko o te Tau are a group of exceptional and diverse Kiwis, each taking extraordinary action to better their communities and the country.
Ali Muhammad is a finalist. He is the founder of the Thrive Foundation, which is creating inclusive opportunities for rangatahi (young people) from refugee communities to participate in sporting, social and educational programmes.
Amy Hunt is a strong believer in the power of music. Hunt’s inclusive choir has uplifted the community by providing a space for connection and joy.
Ellen Nelson worked day and night to bring 563 Afghans to the safety of New Zealand.
She rallied a small team from her rural Manawatū home to save the lives of colleagues who had supported the New Zealand Army.
Shaz Dagg is using her life-changing experience as a way to advocate for people with disabilities.
Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said: ‘‘If there has ever been a time to celebrate those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the wellbeing of our country, it’s now.
‘‘It is a real privilege to honour the creative, selfless and visionary people that help make us proud to call Aotearoa home.’’
The medallists are in the running for the New Zealand-local-hero-of-the-year award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
Semifinalists for this award and the six other award categories will be announced next month.
The New Zealander of the year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa and supporting category winners will be announced at a dinner in March in Auckland.
The other categories are young New Zealand of the year, senior New Zealander of the year, innovator of the year, environmental hero of the year, community of the year and local hero of the year.