It all began, she said, when the problems legal highs were causing in her South Waikato town became too clear to ignore. "We even had three youths go by ambulance to hospital. Meanwhile, people using it were becoming scary, angry and paranoid - and it was breaking up families."
Her local protest drew death threats and opened her eyes to the scale of the problem. She used Facebook to orchestrate a protest in 22 towns and realised a long-held aspiration of opening a twice-weekly soup kitchen.
"I know people are excited about the ban, but I'm aware that addiction is nasty and it's not going to go away."
Sonia Wilson
"There are a lot of hours in a day ... and you'd be amazed what you can fit into them." They're words to live by for Sonia Wilson, who has sacrificed much of her life to help others.
Mrs Wilson has given 25 years as a volunteer for Rotorua Victim Support, all while training, working fulltime, or bringing up children.
When she's in a Zimmer frame, she jokes, she'll still be heading out the door to call-outs.
Being community-minded was something the 49-year-old was brought up with. Her father served on the PTA and her mother helped with service clubs.
Victim Support was in its infancy when Mrs Wilson joined up in her early 20s. "We went through an initial training period, but back then, it was quite basic, and after you'd finished your training there was an expectation you were ready to be called for any crime, trauma or accident."
About pride of New Zealand Awards:
Anyone can nominate people they feel are unsung heroes working hard to make a difference within their community. The awards are being held in association with the Rotorua Daily Post, The Hits radio station and TSB Bank.
The six categories honour bravery and heroism, community spirit, environmental leaders, emergency heroes and fundraisers. A special lifetime achievement award will be given and there is a people's choice award.
For more information and to nominate visit the Pride of New Zealand website - www.prideofnzawards.co.nz.
