Editorial: Selfless six regional winners

Jim Edwards won a lifetime achievement award at the Pride of New Zealand Awards.

Pride is defined as a feeling of satisfaction in your actions or achievements.

Last night, I felt a sense of pride, not at anything I had done - but others.

Regional finalists in the national Pride of New Zealand Awards gathered at Hawke's Bay Today's office last night for a small ceremony.

Six people were named regional winners from the many nominees for the lower North Island. It was heart-warming hearing what all the finalists, selflessly, did for others.

Some committed acts of bravery, some encapsulated a community spirit and some had a list of achievements racked up over decades.

What they all had in common was that they put others before themselves. And many never asked for recognition.

These "everyday Kiwis" were humble and were reluctant to make a song and dance about their achievements.

But I could see the pride on their families' faces - proud that their hardworking husband or wife was being congratulated.

A stirring haka by Jim Edwards' grandsons summed up the feeling in the room.

James Edwards, 22, said he was "immensely proud" of his grandfather.

"It was a privilege to bear witness to. I'm so proud to be his namesake. He deserves it, he does so much for the community."

Too often we get bogged down with the daily grind of life that we occasionally forget to look around.

These people are always looking around and ready to give someone a hand up.

Well done. These six winners will go on to the national awards in Auckland next month.