Editorial: Tribute to two of city's finest

For the second year running, The Daily Post's Person of the Year is actually two people.

This is not a reflection on our inability to decide between strong contenders, but testament to the efforts in 2011 of those chosen, and of those standing behind them.

In fact, drawing the line at two was difficult enough - Mark Gatens and Donna Grant worked with and within teams and have paid tribute to others involved.

But today, we pay tribute to them as The Daily Post People of the Year.

Mr Gatens was our Person of the Month for February, after leading a team of nine Rotorua Urban Search and Rescue volunteers who helped search for survivors and bodies after the Christchurch earthquake that killed 181 people.

Mrs Grant was Person of the Month for March after her work in co-ordinating and helping to organise a fundraising kapa haka concert for the earthquake's victims.

The concert raised more than $120,000.

In a year of big news stories, the Christchurch quake stands above all.

The city is still shaking and the February quake's effects will be felt for years to come.

Several Rotorua people were directly affected by the event and, as this editorial demonstrated, some still are.

A man who had greatness rather rudely thrust upon him by the quakes, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said of those involved in the Rotorua fundraising concert: "They have shown the highest level of human spirit and generosity."

He also paid tribute to Mr Gatens and the urban search and rescue volunteers who put their lives at risk to help.

Mr Parker said Christchurch was grateful for the efforts of Mrs Grant and Mr Gatens.

"The difference they have made is considerable."

And making a difference is what it's all about.

We also pay tribute today to the other nominees for The Daily Post Person of the Year.

Their fields of endeavour are varied but each has made a difference in his or her own way.

As have countless others worthy of mention, some of whom we've recognised through stories and profiles through the year.

Thank you all for your dedication and your excellence.