Taranaki's selfless, optimistic and generous citizens were honoured for their service last Thursday at the annual Kiwibank Local Hero Awards.
As part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2018, 23 Taranaki locals received their Local Hero medals at a special ceremony at the Devon Hotel.
New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom attended the ceremony to congratulate and present the medals to this year's winners. He commended the recipients for their achievements in the community, saying that the award ceremony is a fantastic and vital opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of many in the region.
"This year's recipients are selfless, loving and dedicated people who have all impacted our community in unique ways. The positive difference they have made to the lives of others cannot be overstated. It's important we as a community take time to reflect and acknowledge the special place these people hold in our lives."
The 2018 Kiwibank Local Heroes for Taranaki were: Patrick Julian (Inglewood), Katrina McNab (Lepperton), Greg Trowbridge (Lepperton), Jamie Allan (New Plymouth), Darren James (New Plymouth), Neil Sulzberger (New Plymouth), Elizabeth McBride (New Plymouth), Maureen Lonsdale (New Plymouth), Kit Lea (New Plymouth), Michael Dowd (New Plymouth), Kere Ell (New Plymouth), Dave Larkin (New Plymouth), Michael Corkill (Opunake), Margaret Mancer (Spotswood), Ernie Burrows (Stratford), Debbie McKinlay (Stratford), John Herlihy (Stratford), Carolyn Cragg (Stratford), Joan McCardle (Taranaki), Terry Parkes (Taranaki), Norma Henderson (Waitara), Nigel Cash (Waitara), Clair Tart (Waitara).