Deciding the Pride of NZ category finalists was not an easy task for (from left) Kevin Murphy, Sir Peter Leitch, Jane Hastings, Willie Apiata and Judy Bailey. Photo / Dean Pucell
Some of the country's most selfless volunteers and community heroes have been chosen as the regional winners of the inaugural Pride of New Zealand Awards.
At a judging conference in Auckland yesterday, celebrity judges "The Mad Butcher" Sir Peter Leitch, former news anchor Judy Bailey and Victoria Cross holder Willie
Apiata helped to decide the winners. APN NZ chief executive Jane Hastings and TSB Bank head Kevin Murphy were also on the judging panel.
Videos of the 26 finalists were shown and the judges were asked to choose favourites in the six categories - Bravery & Heroism, Community Spirit, Emergency Services, Environment, Fundraiser of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.
Sir Peter said the calibre of all the nominees had made for some tough decisions. "There was no one in there that I thought should not have been there. They were all just amazing and were doing amazing things for their community. These are people who give their time freely just because they can and just because they want to. They're just great Kiwis."
Bailey said hearing people's stories and learning about their backgrounds had been a highlight.
