Ngati Kahungunu heroes confirmed as taonga

Lady Janine Mateparae, left; Hiria Hape, cultural adviser, Wellington; Governor-General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae; and Mike Paku, chairman, Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga, at the Matariki Living Taonga Awards, at Lindisfarne College, Hastings, last night. Photo / Duncan Brown

The second annual Matariki Living Taonga Awards recognised Hawke's Bay's unsung heroes during a sold-out ceremony last night.

Organisers Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga asked people to come up with the region's hidden battlers ahead of the triennial event.

There are 10 categories, up from six at the inaugural awards, recognising everyone from environmentalists and creatives to employers, employees, those offering a selfless service, even a whanau that has shown courage and strength.

An extra special returned veterans' award was added to celebrate the centenary of the Anzac Gallipoli Landings, presented by New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

Winners selected by four independent judges were announced during a gala dinner at Lindisfarne College.

Matariki Living Taonga awards were instigated to recognise role models within the Ngati Kahungunu community who don't necessarily have a high public profile or receive due recognition for the contribution they make to the quality of others' lives.