Editorial: Awards for our heroes

Nominations are now being taken.

As your local newspaper, we're proud to highlight the efforts and achievements of our community's otherwise unsung heroes.

We love telling you about the amazing accomplishments of your fellow citizens - already our Person of the Month and Person of the Year awards highlight those who have helped define the news in our region, and our weekly Our People profiles written by Jill Nicholas give amazing insights into the lives and histories of some of our most interesting locals.

Now the most remarkable among us have a chance to be celebrated on the national stage, with the Pride of New Zealand Awards, run in association with sponsors including our sister paper the New Zealand Herald, the Hits radio station and TSB Bank, and supported by the Rotorua Daily Post.

Nominations are now open for the awards, which will recognise leaders, campaigners, volunteers, teachers, caregivers and other unsung heroes who have done something extraordinary in our community.

I realise most of these people don't do it for the recognition - but that doesn't mean they shouldn't receive it.

The awards cover a variety of categories, including bravery/heroism, community spirit, fundraising, emergency services and environment. There's also a lifetime achievement category.

Having been involved with the Rotorua Community Leadership Awards over the past few years, I was often amazed by the many, previously unheralded achievements of the nominees - all of whom are and were extremely dedicated to their causes.

There are so many stories out there - stories of pride, dedication, commitment and passion.

You can help us tell those stories.

For more information and to nominate, visit the Pride of New Zealand website www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.

Kim Gillespie