Pride of New Zealand: APN sponsors search for our 'unsung heroes'

Silver Fern netballer Maria Tutaia has been announced as the first of several judges on an all-star panel. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Whangarei Report and Northern Advocate are joining APN's other community and regional news titles, The New Zealand Herald and The Hits (previously Classic Hits) in recognising the efforts of everyday Kiwis who each year make a real difference in their communities, with the inaugural Pride of New Zealand Awards.

"The people who make the most positive, uplifting and inspiring contributions in the community do so selflessly, and many of the most outstanding efforts go unheralded,"APN chief executive Martin Simons said when announcing the awards.

"We want to change that and recognise everyday people doing extraordinary things."

TSB Bank is also a major partner.

Kevin Murphy, managing director of TSB Bank, said the partnership was a natural fit for the bank, which has been 100 per cent New Zealand owned and independent since 1850.

"The opportunity to partner on this new event is an exciting step for us ... . we're very proud to be part of an initiative which recognises and rewards those 'unsung heroes'."

Silver Fern netballer Maria Tutaia has been announced as the first of several judges on an all-star panel.

"It's a privilege to be involved, and to help celebrate New Zealanders who are doing amazing things out of the limelight. I'm really looking forward to hearing about their inspiring work," she said.

When the national campaign launches this month, the public will be called upon to nominate those deserving of recognition in the following categories:

*Bravery/Heroism Award - recognising those who have selflessly disregarded their own safety in order to help or save the life of another person or persons.

*Community Spirit Award - recognising those whose selfless, tireless and largely unacknowledged actions have enriched the lives of those in their community.

*Fundraiser of the Year Award - recognising those who have gone beyond all expectations to raise money for a good cause.

*Emergency Services Award - recognising those professional or volunteer emergency service members who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect their community.

*Environmental Award - recognising those who have impacted the environment positively, making a difference to the wider community.

*Lifetime Achievement - recognising those whose on-going commitment to their cause has enriched the lives of others, making New Zealand a better place to live.

Four regional award ceremonies will take place in August, with the winners becoming finalists for the national award ceremony in September.

The awards will be judged by a panel of prominent Kiwis, and the public will also be given an opportunity to have their say in the TSB Bank People's Choice Award.