One amazing aspect of the Rugby World Cup campaign and the 48 games all over New Zealand has been the volunteers.
Thousands of New Zealanders took leave or gave up their free time to assist in whatever way they were required to do.
Whether they were there to assist the overseas visitors in local information or more important jobs like supervising the engraving of the William Webb Ellis Trophy and the job of organising of the finisher's medals.
That very important volunteer's position was carried out by well-known Tauranga identity Alison Stewart.
I received a very detailed email from Alison on the Friday morning of Cup weekend detailing her role ... and was she a proud local. The official engraver who was flown out from England to perform the delicate task would have had to wait for the final whistle before starting the 12-minute job of engraving "New Zealand" on to that gold trophy.
Well done Alison and well done and thank you to all the locals who acted as volunteers for the biggest sporting event this country has ever run.
New Zealand is an amazing country, as we all know. It's a country that loves to give a hand in times of need.
Most of us at some time have volunteered for something, whether it's helping out with a school or kindy fundraiser, coaching the kids sports team or collecting funds for local and national charitable organisations.
We are a country built around volunteers. The Rena disaster is a perfect example.
Hundreds of people, not just locals, but folks from all over New Zealand and the world for that matter have turned up to lend a helping hand in cleaning up our lovely coastline.
A story grabbed my attention during the week on that subject.
Christchurch-born but Los Angles-based TV star Phil Keoghan arrived on the Mount beach last weekend with his Christchurch-based father, John, to lend a hand with the clean-up.
The eight-time Emmy Award presenter of The Amazing Race series joined the hundreds of other volunteers on his hands and knees helping to clean the oil droplets off the beach.
Phil Keoghan is known for his love of his home country.
When the devastating earthquake hit Christchurch in February, he flew home to support relief efforts and publicise the story back in the United States.
One thing that struck Phil while he was on the beach was the overwhelming number of people who had volunteered to help.
Thank you Phil and to the volunteers who are hard at it trying to keep our beaches from being destroyed.
While I am on the subject of that doomed cargo ship, spare a thought for the salvors working in difficult conditions on board a severely listing ship.
It can't be easy work and, with well over half the oil now pumped off, getting to the submerged tanks is going to become even more difficult.
We are all feeling the shock and anger over the grounding but its no good venting that anger and pointing the finger at this stage.
The best thing we can all do as many hundreds have done already is help out in whatever way we can.
There are too many individuals to mention but from one local to another a big thank you.
