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The Rev Bob Peters has been spreading the good word and helping others "live life" for the past 35 years.
On Sundays, the 61-year-old can be found preaching to his congregation at St Aidan's Anglican Church in Miramar, in Wellington.
During the week he can be spotted working with at-risk youth, running the church food bank or helping out at the parish op shop - which he set up to help raise funds for local schools.
A Samaritan telephone counselling service for youngsters has also been a major project for Mr Peters, who is widely known for having set up a free Christmas lunch for the homeless and needy 17 years ago.
That event had to be stopped just recently because of the lack of a venue to fit the huge numbers of people turning up each year.
Providing for and lending a helping hand is his life, says Mr Peters.
"Just because you see those needs out there in the community - you see the homeless out there [at] Christmas time, with no place to go - you want to do something about it," he says.
The vicar has also set up a childcare service - now a part of the church's Sunday School - for busy parents.
Youngsters in the care of Child Youth and Family have also found their way to Mr Peters' house, where he runs various projects, such as fixing up old cars, to keep them occupied.
He says there are always people who are grateful for the help they're given, whereas others seem to take it for granted. "You have your little trials - some of the young ones can be pretty tough - it takes up a lot of time as well, but it's rewarding."
Long-time friend Jane Bond says she nominated Mr Peters as an unsung hero after seeing an example of his generosity first-hand.
"I was down [in Wellington] for Christmas lunch once and he had about 11 people - homeless - at the table," says Ms Bond.
"The table grew longer each year - it grew to 400 people and they started holding it at community halls.
"He just puts absolutely everybody before him - he just doesn't judge.
"No matter who it is - everybody's welcome."
Helping others will continue to be his life profession, Mr Peters says.
"I think we just encourage people to be outwardly giving of themselves - and when you do that, you see the good in people."
