"The people we are honouring tonight, who have given their time and expertise so selflessly to others, are our community treasures. While most would agree that community service contributes significantly towards the health of their community, the reality is that it takes passion and commitment to keep delivering year after year.
"I think that it is interesting how many times you hear people who do contribute so much saying that what they get back is worth so much more. This I guess is what it is all about. Tonight we recognise these extraordinary people as our local heroes," she said at the awards last night.
This year, 292 medals will be presented nationwide with one Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year winner to be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in February.
Kiwibank chief executive Paul Brock said Kiwibank was proud to support local communities celebrating their outstanding citizens during the past seven years.
"The Local Hero Awards are very special. They recognise good people in our communities. People whose sacrifice, optimism and commitment make others better off.
"They might not see their deeds as special. They'd be the first to say they're not special people. But we know otherwise so these awards are Rotorua's way of saying thanks.
"New Zealand has a long-standing tradition of community service. It's therefore equally important that we have a tradition, like the Local Hero Awards, where we can give thanks to those who have improved the lives of others in their communities."
This month, the judging panel - comprising representatives of all the awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts - will decide the 10 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year semifinalists, with three finalists to be announced in the New Year. All national finalists will attend the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala where one will be named the 2016 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year.
