Aucklander of the Year: Grant Sharman

Grant Sharman (right) with Young Aucklander of the Year Dylan Todd. Picture / Kellie Blizard

Grant Sharman's role as player then coach of the New Zealand's gold medal-winning wheelchair rugby team means he's something of a household name throughout the nation.

Away from the exhilaration of the Wheel Blacks' sideline, Grant is just as committed to causes he holds dear.

He's known by Pukekohe Community Constable Noel Surrey as a decent bloke who inspires the young — and not so young as well.

"He's always got the bigger picture in mind rather than 'what's good for me'," says Noel, who's not surprised to see his mate of a decade named The Aucklander of the Year 2005, thanks to a nomination by Robyn Scott-Vincent.

The award finalists include German Shepherd Rescue Trust founder Denise Sharp, of Glenfield, and Pukekohe 85-year-old Ann Watt, who's carried out enough charity work to fill a book.

Noel first met the ever-humble Grant when he needed a speaker for a programme he was running at a school and they've helped each other out since.

With Grant's wife Jenny, they run a weekly drop-in art group dubbed the Wobbly Time Out Art Club.

Noel says group helped give direction to "some kids who were maybe not going to get to do much with their lives".

The sessions have just two rules, says Noel: to love art and to respect each other.

The simple yet effective code seems to suit Grant, who's been in a wheelchair since he was injured playing a rugby as a teenager.

Grant is a reporter on Attitude, the TV show which celebrates people living with disabilities.

The 43-year-"young" grandfather is a mouthpainter by profession but spends more time on his voluntary work, which includes heaps of coaching and mentoring.

The 2004 Halberg Sports Awards coach of the year nominee is one of the team leading the Wheel Blacks' attempt to clinch the world title in Christchurch next year, preparing the players with a series of games, including a tour to South Africa next month.

Grant is a little embarrassed by the recognition, saying there's a lot of people who help out others.

"As much as we live in the world where bad things happen, there are far more people out there doing great stuff."

- THE AUCKLANDER