Te Aorangi Harrington.
Te Aorangi Harrington
Community Spirit category: A Palmerston North man has been recognised for his dedication to the Maori community.
Te Aorangi Harrington, 56, is a Maori liaison for the NZ Fire Service.
He said he felt compelled to work with Maori after losing a tennis scholarship that had allowed him to study in the United States.
"I came back to New Zealand with my tail between my legs but I was given an amazing opportunity to work by my wharenui."
Mr Harrington and members of his whanau were tasked with moving their marae from Gisborne for the opening of Te Papa.
After heading back to university and gaining an IT degree, he quickly realised the corporate lifestyle was not for him.
A short stint at the Universal College of Learning as the Maori student liaison officer cemented his direction.
"The role with the fire service came up shortly after. More than 2000 Maori deaths related to fires had been reported and people were asking 'why is this happening?'."
Mr Harrington has been engaging with Maori ever since.
For more coverage of the awards, go here or to nominate someone, go to the Pride of New Zealand Awards website.
Choppers have helped firefighters battle two scrub fires near Wairoa. One is suspicious.