Maera Maki-Anderson, of Murupara, was honoured with the emergency services award for her work as a volunteer firefighter over the past 26 years and Kathleen Mato received the environment award for her determination in improving water quality in Wairoa.
Auckland firefighter Tony "Scottie" Scott got the fundraiser of the year award for his ongoing efforts for the Fire Service and charity and Tihi Puanaki received the lifetime achievement accolade for her 40 years promoting kapa haka.
The community spirit award was awarded to Julie King, who runs Tokoroa's Love Soup kitchen.
The People's Choice Award, sponsored by TSB Bank, went to Upper North Island regional finalist Greg Brownson. The 63-year-old, of Auckland, has been a crew member of the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust for more than 30 years.
More than 10,000 votes were received for the People's Choice Award via the website and judges said Mr Brownson won by a huge margin.
At the ceremony last night, Kiwi music legend Dave Dobbyn welcomed guests with a stirring rendition of Welcome Home as they settled in. He later performed Beside You and Slice of Heaven.
Celebrity judges Sir Peter "Mad Butcher" Leitch, former TV news presenter Judy Bailey, Silver Fern Maria Tutaia and radio host Polly Gillespie presented several awards and judge and Victoria Cross holder Willie Apiata gave a video greeting.
The awards, in association with the Herald, APN Holdings, TSB Bank and The Hits radio station, were announced last year during the newspaper's 150th birthday celebrations.
More than 700 nominations were received.
Herald editor Shayne Currie said choosing the winners had been a difficult task, given the high calibre of finalists.
"We've been thrilled with the response and it's humbling to see how many New Zealanders dedicate themselves to their communities or even put their own lives on the line for total strangers," he said.
"It makes you proud to be a Kiwi."
Pride of NZ winners: They make you proud to be a Kiwi
