Pride of NZ - your picks for Tauranga

Constable Deane O'Connor.

Courage in the face of immense danger is just one of the reasons behind the nominations of some of the Western Bay's seven finalists in the Pride of New Zealand awards.

The awards, sponsored by the New Zealand Herald, TRN radio station The Hits and TSB Bank, aim to recognise Kiwis who have done something extraordinary to help others.

Deane O'Connor

In the Central North Island category, Western Bay road policing constable Deane O'Connor and Athenree volunteer firefighter Buddy Harwood have been named as finalists in the bravery and heroism category.

Mr O'Connor jumped off the Maunganui Causeway Bridge into freezing water to save a man whose vehicle had gone off the bridge in a crash moments earlier. The tragic crash claimed the life of Tauranga father Gregory Woledge. Iain Stewart Crisp pleaded guilty as the driver responsible for the crash.

Buddy Harwood

Earlier this year, Mr Harwood saved a family of five from a burning car, seconds before it exploded, in Canada. Last year, Buddy also featured in the Bay of Plenty Times after rescuing a woman trapped in her car during heavy flooding near Waihi Beach.

Buddy Harwood from Athenree Fire Brigade.

Shane Beech

Joining the pair is Maketu identity Shane Beech, who was nominated for the emergency services category for his commitment to the Maketu volunteer fire service. Mr Beech is also one of the founding members of Maketu Volunteer Sea Rescue Service established in 2002 (Maketu Coastguard) and is a senior trained crew member and has been president of the organisation since 2008.

Maketu fire brigade chief Shane Beech.

Peter Blackwell

Mount Maunganui Detective Sergeant Peter Blackwell is a finalist in the fundraiser of the year category for his role in organising the CIB Charity Auctions. The auction grew to become an iconic annual event, last year raising a record $280,000 for local charities. However, earlier this year Mr Blackwell called time on the auction after 20 years of success.

Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell.

Steve Pearson, Tony Howse and Lance Talstra

Greerton Marist Rugby and Netball Club Steve Pearson of Tauranga was nominated for the community spirit category, while Tony Howse of Whangamata and Mount Maunganui's Lance Talstra, who tramped 3000 kilometres to protest declining water quality, are finalists in the environment awards.

Lance Talstra.

The winners will be named at functions next month and will go on to the national final on September 10.