To nominate an Unsung Hero for their community service and for terms and conditions go to: www.unsungheroes.org.nz
In the shadow of Matakana Village's trendy produce market and designer-label shops, a weary former butter factory is struggling to become a showplace for home-grown creativity.
The only reason this store without windows has survived four years and the slump in retail spending is the dogged patriotism and loyalty of owner Nicky Jordan.
"I try to support local people who make stuff, mostly lots of ladies who work from home and are trying to make a crust,"she said.
Tied to the house herself with three children under six years old, the 36-year-old employs five women to run the design store in the summer peak when the village fills with visitors drawn by the farmers market, vineyards, pottery and the seaside bays northeast of Warkworth.
Over four years, about 20 residents have worked for the store, which is named The Cream of Matakana, a word play on its past life and its owner's ardent advocacy of New Zealand-made goods.
More than 100 artists and artisans contribute to the stock.
The store mostly sells on their behalf, keeping a percentage of the price as commission.
"I work up to midnight doing the accounts and orders and on Saturdays when my partner is free from his work to mind the children, I'll be in the shop catching up."
Ms Jordan says all her assets are tied up in the business, which makes enough only to pay rent, commissions and wages.
"I don't make anything myself."
She has been nominated for the Herald Unsung Heroes series by her partner Richard Huddleston. The series recognises the work people do in their communities, and five nominees will be chosen to go on a P&O cruise.
Why does she carry on at her own expense?
"I'm employing people who otherwise would not have a job in this recession.
"I have a good relationship with them and suppliers. Most are creative women with children who need a little money.
"They love it when they realise someone like me can sell what they make; that it's worthy of people buying it and wearing it.
"For example, I met a girl yesterday with a new clothing line and I'm going to stock that for Christmas. Even if we don't sell a lot of it, at least all the people who come through our shop in summer will see it and it will be good for her."
Ms Jordan said she learned to do accounts as a child helping her parents' businesses, but she has paid for advice on improving the business and found being a member of the Retailers Association to be useful.
She moved from Auckland after her mother died, to be with friends in Matakana.
"We want to make sure the kids have a good lifestyle."
The Unsung Community Heroes series is run annually in the The Herald and on nzherald.co.nz in partnership with P&O Cruises. We invited nominations from readers to recognise people who selflessly work to make a difference in their local communities.
Some will be selected to feature in the paper and on nzherald.co.nz. Five will be chosen to join a P&O winter cruise.
