Former Flaxmere resident Kristyl Hinemoa Neho believes "nothing is impossible" is a mantra she has lived by since she was starting out.
The actor, writer, director and volunteer worker's list of achievements are both wide-ranging and endless, a feat which has seen her recognised in the month of July.
"I was pretty surprised. I didn't think the work I was doing was being noticed."
She has spent more than 18 years studying, working and performing.
Her list of credits includes short films such as Waewaenui, Speed Date, Dinner is Served, The Escape and her one-women show called My Sweet Heart, dedicated to her grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer's.