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A golden welcome for shotput champion Valerie Vili is being planned in her hometown of Manukau to honour her gold medal win in Beijing.
The 23-year-old - who was born in Rotorua but who grew up in Mangere - will be honoured on her return with an acknowledgement which is still to be decided by the Manukau City Council.
Acting Mayor Arthur Anae says that all of Manukau City is proud of Vili's success, especially given that she is a local.
"Valerie's success shows that young people from Manukau can compete on the world stage and excel," Mr Anae said.
"I hope Valerie's success will inspire many young people in our city to have high goals - not only in sports - but in education, the arts and business as well."
At Macleans College in Bucklands Beach - where Vili is the assistant sports co-ordinator - a congratulatory gesture is also being planned to welcome her home, as well as Vili's coach Kirsten Hellier, who is the school's sports co-ordinator.
Meanwhile, Hastings golden girls Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell will get the ultimate salute, with a plan to have a street named in their honour after they won gold in the double sculls event.
A victory parade is also being planned for the sisters, with Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule describing the twins both as local and national heroes.
"Caroline and Georgina are among our most successful sportspeople ever and an incredible example to the next generation of what determination and hard work can achieve," Mr Yule said.
