Humble heroes devoted to better town

Katherine Winitana thanks her supporters at the Flaxmere Heroes calendar launch at Te Aranga Marae. Photo / Paul Taylor

Last night 16 heroes and heroines were honoured for their unique contribution to Flaxmere as the U-Turn Trust launched 2016 heroes calendar.

The calendar has become a greatly anticipated boost for the suburb's residents.

Flaxmere councillor Henare O'Keefe and U-Turn Trust chief executive Ana Apatu presented the heroes with their calendars in front of proud residents at Te Aranga Marae.

Now in its sixth year, the Flaxmere heroes calendar aims to uplift the suburb by showcasing the achievements of local people.

An emotional Mr O'Keefe said he felt "intoxicated" on the love he has for his suburb.

January's hero is the late Steve Whakaruru. Mr Whakaruru passed away just before the calendar launch. He was instrumental in conception and the creation of Te Aranga Marae. A karanga welcomed Mr Whakaruru's family to accept the award and the family responded with a waiata of their own.

Mr Henare ended the tribute by saying "I hope you're enjoying that beautiful marae in the sky brother". All recipients were humble upon accepting their accolade, most sharing the sentiment that they were not worthy of the "hero" title. Hastings Girls' head girl and May's hero Katherine Winitana showcased her musical talents with an original song. Isaia Jones from the younger crop of heroes selected from schools had some sound advice for the next generation, "believe and you can achieve".

June heroes Kulwat and Sukhwinder Singh said despite the trials and tribulations they have faced, they still love and respect the people of Flaxmere.

Star of My Kitchen Rules and December's hero Henry Heke said his family had been burgled three times, but nothing will make them leave their beloved suburb.

All the heroes were presented with their calendars.

Hastings Intermediate's leadership academy closed the evening with a Te Reo version of Hallelujah.

Month by month

January: Steve and Rose Whakaruru.
February: Paul McArdle
March: Brendon Lodge
April: Isaia Jones
May: Katherine Winitana
June: Kulwat and Sukhwinder Singh
July: Richard Kettle
August: (Schools), Peterhead: Elijah Mataira, Irongate: Meiata Ngarangione, Flaxmere Primary: Eldius Oli, Kimi Ora: Ma'u Katoa, Flaxmere College: Alosio
Seumanutafa
September: Haminder Chahal
October: Tim Hutchins
November: Kevin and Karen Bayley
December: Henry Heke