Our chance to nominate inspiring Kiwis

Kiwibank New Zealander of the year nominations open on June 17 and close at the end of September.

Now is the time for us to take the opportunity to nominate community organisations and individuals making a positive difference to the lives of others.

The awards are now celebrating their fifth year and honour the contributions of remarkable individuals, organisations and community groups throughout New Zealand who inspire us through their commitment, hard work and achievement.

Marlborough, over this time, has represented itself with distinction and the awards presentation night held in Blenheim has grown to be a prestigious event.

Nominations can be made in one or more of the following categories:

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year

Coca Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year

Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year Mitre 10 Community of the Year Kiwibank Local Heroes. The awards publicly honour role models in the community who have often put in decades of time and effort, making a positive contribution to the lives of others.

Whether it is in business, sports, arts, education or community involvement, this is a wonderful opportunity to recognise their efforts.

All Local Hero nominees will receive a medal at public presentations throughout the country later this year and nominees in all other categories a Certificate of Achievement.

Each category winner of the New Zealander of the Year Awards will receive a custommade trophy and $5000 from the principal sponsor, Kiwibank.

Dame Anne Salmond of Auckland is the current Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year. She is a renowned author, academic and environmentalist.

Dame Anne has dedicated her academic career to documenting cultural exchanges in New Zealand to bring about a greater understanding of New Zealand’s history and how we can develop a strong multicultural society for our future generations.

I’m sure we all look through the Queen’s Honours list and think of worthy recipients that aren’t on the list.

I know of many worthy recipients here in Marlborough and I will be taking the opportunity to nominate some for awards as I have done since the awards began.

So far these have successfully been awarded to individuals for service to sports clubs such as gymnastics, swimming, rugby and netball.

Also for outstanding service to local voluntary community groups.

I encourage all Marlburians to put forward nominations for those special individuals and groups that do so much in the community to enhance the lives of others. These people all add to the wonderful place we live in.

Who would you nominate?

* Colin King is the Member of Parliament for the Kaikoura electorate.