People and organisations that have served Napier in the Covid epidemic response have been commended in a break from tradition at the Napier Pilot City Trust's annual Unity Awards for service towards making the city a kinder, fairer and safer place.
Among 10 recipients of the awards, which have a history dating back over 30 years and are timed to coincide with Anzac Day commemorations, were Napier iwi representative organisation Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Oroto, social service provider Te Roopu a Iwi, health serves provider Te Kupenga Hauora, and Napier Host Lions club.
Among others were Hawke's Bay District Health Board Covid response team members Ngaira Harker, Georgette Cunningham and 1995-1999 Bay Hawks basketballer Tofilau Talalelei ("T") Taufale, now a DHB Pacifica health manager.
![Former basketball star Tofilau Talalelei ("T") Taufale, recognised in the Napier Pilot City Trust Unity Awards for service during the Covid response. Photo / Paul Taylor](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/KSQDRRZJE5AIZWZ7TBBN5XQZ3M.jpg?auth=a3392c728baaa03127d13c7204a447939ee0e36f636dd609bdd721384f2c2f33&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Other recipients were Tangiora Bartlett, Joan Plowman and Kare Wiki.