Local heroes recognised for doing ‘exceptional things’
EIGHT ‘‘everyday’’ Southlanders who do ‘‘exceptional things’’ were recognised last night at the 10th annual Kiwibank Local Hero Awards in Invercargill.
Specially made medals were presented by Southland Mayor Gary Tong at the Civic Theatre, as part of the New Zealander of the Year Awards.
‘‘This year’s Local Heroes are unsung members of our community who have made this region a better place to live,’’ he said.
‘‘Their acts of charity, optimism and commitment have had a profound effect on many Southlanders.’’
The medals were among 322 presented nationwide this year, and all recipients qualify for the New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award which will be announced at an awards gala in Auckland, in February next year.
Kiwibank chief executive officer Steve Jurkovich said while some recipients might not see themselves as heroes, their stories of courage, charity, achievement and ambition made them so.
‘‘They sure sound like heroes to us.
‘‘It’s our chance to say thanks and show each and every one of them just how special they are.’’
Southland’s Kiwibank Local Heroes are. — many communitydriven initiatives.
He is also chairman of Southland disABILITY Enterprises, a trustee of the Community Trust of Southland, a trustee of the Invercargill Catholic Education Trust and a life member of YMCA Invercargill. rugs and blankets.
She began the initiative in 2016 for refugees being housed in Dunedin, expanding it to Invercargill and working with organisations including Plunket, St Vincent de Paul, the Salvation Army and Gore Hospital.
Despite battling her own health issues, she continues to help others in her community.