Ngatamaine Emma Kimiravenga Tauranga was presented with the month of January for her "wonderful example of independence being an attitude".
Born with cerebral palsy, she said: "This doesn't mean I am brain injured. I'm not handicapped and I am not dumb."
She owns her own house, pays her bills using the internet and books her own appointments, as well as having achieved a qualification in social services.
Despite living in Waikato, Craig McKibbin was awarded February for raising $11,000 for Flaxmere's U-Turn Trust, by swimming the 85km perimeter of Lake Waikaremoana this year - to mark 20 years since his brother passed away.
He has a strong link to Flaxmere, as his "brother Glenn served as a police constable before being tragically killed in the line of duty in 1996".
For March, the founder and organiser of Battle for Life, Patrick O'Brien, was recognised for raising much-needed funds to help address local health and social issues such as suicide prevention.
The heroes for April were Mary Lolohea from Flaxmere College, Kahlia Awa from Peterhead School, Katie Tioata from Irongate School and Faalua Perese from Flaxmere Primary School.
The month of May went to Josh Adrian Kronfeld for his work both on and off the rugby field.
Flaxmere Softball Club, led by coach Luke Herrick, is named as the month of June, for its sporting achievements.
The hero for July is Rahia Jessup, who her worked her way up from making ends meet as a solo parent to becoming a trusted and highly successful real estate agent who is a strong advocate of people owning their own home.
Talalelei Taufale was awarded August for his contribution to Pacific and Maori health.
"Talalelei moved to Hawke's Bay from Wellington to play basketball for the Hawke's Bay team for one season; 20 years later he has not looked back. He has taught at Hastings Boys High School and William Colenso College working with staff, Pacific students and their families. He is currently the Pacific health development manager with the Hawke's Bay District Health Board."
"He is also co-director and leads the USO Bike Ride, spreading the USO message of regular health checks for Pacific and Maori whanau. The results are the guide for improving health and wellbeing.
"USO has cycled in Hawaii, Samoa and around New Zealand providing weekly rides year-round for cyclists of all abilities in Hawke's Bay. His community involvement also includes being a trust board member at St Joseph's Maori Girls College, the chairman of the EIT Pacific Reference Group and a member of the Ministry of Education Pacific reference group."
Mr O'Keefe said it "gives hope for many that anything is possible and that there are people willing to help".
"Like everyone it is special, but what I think it is, is that it's special for the community to see ordinary people doing wonderful things not just for themselves but for others."
Joshua Greening took out September.
The October hero was Kristyal Hinemoa Neho for her work as an actor, writer, director and volunteer worker who lives by the mantra "nothing is impossible".
The Flaxmere Community Centre is the hero for November for providing "multiple opportunities to partake in health and fitness for both the young and not so young".
Craig Thew is the hero of December for his work in engineering.
Acting Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said she was "totally inspired" by the heroes recognised and by the talent displayed.
"Seeing our heroes for 2018, we are incredibly blessed to be able to celebrate what they contribute to our beloved suburb of Flaxmere."
"The heroes calendar allows us to find the talent and see the incredible things our people are achieving. We are incredibly grateful to Henare O'Keefe and Pam O'Keefe and the U-Turn Trust for what they do in Flaxmere."
