Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: New Zealand Awards
West Coast and Southland Leading the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Nominations – Only Five Days Left to Nominate
With nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa closing at 11.59pm this Sunday 30 August, West Coast and Southland are leading the charge with the most nominations per capita for the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year Award – Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
The Awards Office is calling on all regions of New Zealand to celebrate what connects the nation, our people, by nominating the unsung heroes, ensuring their mahi doesn’t go unnoticed.
With a winner to be honoured from all regions across Aotearoa, there are 16 chances to be recognised as a Kiwibank Local Hero. Nominees will be making a positive difference to their community and show selflessness and determination to make a difference. Nominations are also still being sought for five national categories.
West Coast and Southland are leading the number of nominations per capita followed by:
Wellington
Nelson
Northland
Auckland
Marlborough
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Hawke’s Bay
Waikato
Taranaki
Gisborne
Tasman
Otago
Manawatū-Whanganui
Heroes hail from far and wide, let us know who is making waves in your region.
This year’s winner will join Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o te Tau alumni; Nick Loosley – Everybody Eats (Auckland, 2020), Pera Barret – Shoebox Christmas (Wellington, 2019), Ricky Houghton – He Korowai Trust (Kaitaia, 2018), Hayden Smith – Sea Cleaners (Auckland, 2017), Selwyn Cook – Equal Employment Opportunity Campaigner (Waikato, 2016), Billie Jordan – The Hip Operation Crew (Auckland, 2015).
Kiwibank Local Hero nominations will be rigorously evaluated by three rounds of independent judging panels and the 16 regional Local Heroes will be announced in November. The Local Heroes go forward for semi-finalist judging in December and finalist judging in January with the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o te Tau announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala event in Auckland on 18 March 2021.
Nominations are also being sought for exceptional individuals or community organisations in the following categories:
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
Ryman Heathcare Senior New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year – Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Nominations for the can be made by any member of the public until 11.59pm Sunday 30 August 2020 by completing the online nomination form at www.nzawards.org.nz.
Background
Kiwibank Local Hero Award – Te Pou Toko o te Tau recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local hapori – communities over the past year. This award acknowledges the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwi who have selflessly worked to make their local hapori a better place.
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa honours the achievements and contributions of an inspirational Kiwi who has made a big, positive contribution to our country this year. Their pursuit of excellence can be in any area; science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, te Ao Māori, sport, education, and health. Their achievements have positive effects on how we feel about our nation and ourselves.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Jennifer Ward-Lealand (2020), Mike King (2019), Kristine Bartlett (2018), Taika Waititi (2017), Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
Trade Me New Zealander Innovation of the Year Award – Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau recognises a person or group who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have created a better New Zealand.
The Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau recognises a rōpū – group of people that together have made an outstanding difference to their community this year. They foster a strong sense of Kotahitanga – community spirit and their achievements enhance the social, economic, cultural or environmental prosperity of their rohe – region making it stronger and more vibrant.
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises a young person brimming with the potential to bring about change and produce a bright future for Aotearoa, striving across the last year to improve themselves and their whole community.
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau recognises those who have made a positive contribution to our great nation later in their life. This award gives New Zealanders of all ages the opportunity to express their appreciation and admiration for the achievements of our Senior New Zealander’s over the past year.
