Editorial: Role models deserve the accolades

Henry Heke is one of the 16 people honoured by the Flaxmere Heroes Calendar.

There will always be people that we look up to and admire - whether it's Richie McCaw, Lorde or Eleanor Catton. Of course little boys around the country are going to dream about one day leading the All Blacks on the field.

It's a given. But children also need role models closer to home. It could be their rugby coach, the head boy or girl at school or an older sibling.

For the past six years Flaxmere has been celebrating its role models. The Flaxmere Heroes Calendar aims to uplift the suburb by showcasing the achievements of local people. It was the brainchild of councillor Henare O'Keefe who wanted to shout about the positive things happening in the community. Too often the suburb makes the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Sixteen people were named heroes and heroines of the community last night as the U-Turn Trust-launched 2016 calendar.

These people did not ask for the limelight and many of them felt they did not deserve the title but they certainly deserve recognition for their contribution to the community.

It's a shame that Steve Whakaruru was not there to receive the adulation. He passed away just a month before the calendar launch. But Mr Whakaruru's legacy lives on at the Te Aranga Marae. He and his wife Rose were instrumental in the conception and building of the marae.

Another notable hero is Richard Kettle who runs a polo programme for youth.

My Kitchen Rules contestant Henry Heke also features as the founder of CrossFit Kids. When he is not helping youngsters improve their fitness he is tutoring kapa haka at Peterhead School.

The calendar highlights the hidden gems in our community that our youth can look up to and learn from.