"I work with permanently disabled stroke victims. Many of them were fit people until they became a victim of this uncertainty - it might be someone who has had an accident, whether on the sporting field or in a vehicle - a lot of them were very talented people but they have a disability," he said.
"Some have good minds but their limbs are affected or vice versa - we don't leave any of them behind."
The hand-carved waka is not his only tool - Mr Edwards has run a Historic Meeting House project in Wairoa since 1994, and resurrects historic cemeteries using skills of people with disabilities.
He was named as a joint award recipient alongside Rehia Hanara, but will be in Australia on the evening of the awards " Friday, June 12.
Musicians, fitness-focused seniors and a young woman carpenter are among the other winners for 2015.
Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga created the event, held every three years, to recognise quiet achievers and role models who strive to make a difference to the lives of others.
This year includes a special award to be presented by Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae to Rangi Whaanga, a sole surviving member of the 28th Mori Battalion D Company, from Heretaunga.
Mr Whaanga will accept the first-ever formal acknowledgement of Ngti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga veterans, on the behalf of his peers.
TToH board chairman Mike Paku says the line-up of award winners highlighted hard work and achievement within the community.
"The candidates put forward this year were fantastic - judges really had their work cut out deciding on the winners, and in some cases they couldn't choose so we have joint-winners," he said.
"We are absolutely privileged to be able to stage these awards because we get an insight into lives and achievements that many people never hear about.
"The people who receive these awards really do deserve them."
-The award evening is on June 12 at Lindisfarne College. A limited number of tickets are available from TToH.
Category winners
•Te Iti Kahurangi: presented to a Rangatahi who demonstrates strong, kaupapa-driven leadership - Tipene Harmer
•Te T? I Te M?tauranga: presented to a Rangatahi who has overcome adversity and achieved academic success - Cerise Wilson
•Pou Kaimahi: presented to an employee who exemplifies M?ori values in the workplace - Marcelle Raheke
•Pou Whakahaere: presented to an employer who exemplifies M?ori values in the workplace - Kauhurangi, of the Takitimu Performing Arts School
•Te Tohu o Mataora: presented to an individual who embraces kaitiakitanga to protect the environment - Arohanui Lawrence
•Ringahora: presented to an individual who works selflessly to uplift whanau - Joint recipients Jim Edwards and Rehia Hanara
•Te Whakamanawa: presented to an Individual whose creativity enriches the lives of others - Te Rangi Huata
•Te Tohu Matariki: presented to an Individual who promotes or applies Te Reo M?ori as part of everyday life - Marjorie Smith
•E Tu Whanau Tohu a Maui: presented to a Wh?nau who demonstrate courage, respect, integrity and aroha in their daily life - Joint Recipients, Ferguson-Ngawaka Wh?nau and Hokianga Wh?nau
•Te Kauwaiora: presented to a Kaum?tua committed to a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing - Joint Recipients Waiora Rogers and Jerry Hapuku
•Te Mana A T?-Mata-Uenga - acknowledgement of Ng?ti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga Returned Services, to be presented by His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, to Rangi Whaanga, 28th M?ori Battalion, on behalf of Ng?ti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga veterans
