Top Kiwis called for

You can now start nominating.

Nominations for the inaugural Pride of New Zealand Awards, to celebrate New Zealanders who make the most positive, uplifting and inspiring contributions to their community, are now open.

The awards in categories including courage, bravery and community spirit will recognise everyday Kiwis who selflessly and mostly unheralded strive to make New Zealand an even better place to live.

They will recognise leaders, campaigners, volunteers, teachers, caregivers and other unsung heroes who have done something extraordinary in their community.

Their stories will be shared through the awards' media partners the New Zealand Herald, Bay of Plenty Times and radio station The Hits, as well as TSB Bank customers and local communities.

The Pride of New Zealand Awards are a chance to reward and celebrate those who make us proud - now is your chance to nominate someone who inspires you at prideofnzawards.co.nz

Awards categories will be judged by a panel of prominent Kiwis.

You will also get to have a say through the TSB Bank's People's Choice Award, which will be judged by the people of New Zealand. The People's Choice Award will go to the most popular of the national finalists.

The national winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in September.

The categories are:

-Bravery/Heroism Award - recognising those who have selflessly disregarded their own safety to help or save another person or persons.

-Community Spirit Award - recognising those whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those in their community.

-Fundraiser of the Year Award - recognising those who have gone beyond all expectations to raise money for a good cause, however large or small the amount.

-Emergency Services Award - recognising professional or volunteer emergency service members who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect their community.

-Environmental Award - recognising those who have positively impacted the environment, making a difference to the wider community.

-Lifetime Achievement - recognising those whose on-going commitment to their cause has enriched the lives of others, making New Zealand a better place to live.

For more information and to nominate, visit the Pride of New Zealand website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz