Editorial: Humble heroes deserve praise

Roana Bennett has been shortlisted for the 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award. Photo / File

Rotorua is chock-a-block with wonderful people who go beyond the call of duty to make the city a better place to live.

One of those amazing people, Roana Bennett, has just been shortlisted in the top 10 for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award.

Often working behind the scenes and given little credit for their hard work, these people don't do it for the accolades.

The organisation she manages - Te Taumata o Ngati Whakaue Iho Ake - has also been described as a future model for improving education outcomes across the country along with Excel Rotorua.

Ms Bennett is up against some tough competition, including Sir John Kirwan, Warehouse founder and philanthropist Sir Stephen Tindall, and Julie Chapman from the KidsCan Charitable Trust.

But to make the top 10 is an awesome achievement in itself.

Like many people in positions similar to her, she is humble and deflects the credit to a team of supporters and co-workers.

This is also admirable, but someone has to be master of the ship, plotting its course and steering past trouble.

Chief judge for the awards, Cameron Bennett, said it was a tough job for the judging panel to create a shortlist of just 10 inspirational Kiwis from more than 230 nominations.

"Each of these individuals is extraordinary. Some have worked tirelessly to make other Kiwis better off, while others have inspired us through being the very best at their chosen fields."

Ms Bennett may not work in the public eye, but her work is just as important as any of the others on the list, making sure your children can be the best they can be and get the best education possible.

In January, the judging panel will announce the final shortlist of three people, with the overall winner announced on February 25.

Let's hope Ms Bennett makes the final three and eventually takes the top award. But if she doesn't, let's also make sure she gets all the praise she deserves.