A hundred years ago, thousands of French and colonial troops, huge artillery pieces and the latest hi-tech kit - airships - took part in a Bastille Day parade.

A big family celebration is on the cards for an Auckland father whose courageous rescue efforts have been recognised in the inaugural Pride of New Zealand Awards.

A horrible tackle ended a professional rugby career - but proved to be the start of a job helping to save lives.

Jayne and Mike Rattray started a movement which has raised $600,000 - and it all began with a few friends hitting the road.

Richard Henty has stepped up to tackle an environmental scourge by helping eradicate the mothplant weed.

"I suppose I could be called a professional cyclist," Colin Anderson muses, mulling over the thousands of dollars he has raised for cancer.

Shane Andrews was riding to work across a bridge when a driver distracted by the swollen Waimakariri River crossed the centre line and knocked him into the river.

The co-ordinator of Palmerston North's free food store says she wouldn't have been able to make the difference she's made to hundreds of lives without her dedicated volunteers.

Andrew Crossland says human beings need to move over "just a wee bit" and recognise that for thousands of years, 230 species of birds have thrived in Canterbury's wetlands.

Retirement isn't the end - just another phase in life, says Barrie Marsh.

Greg Brownson gets up at 5.30am every day for a 7 o'clock start. His helicopters save four people a day on average and he loves his job.

As motorcyclist Elliot Ikilei rode past a vehicle broken down in the fast lane on the motorway, something told him to turn back.

Rob and Zee Luisi have more reason to be optimistic about giving young people in Ranui a chance a day after appearing in the Herald's Pride of New Zealand awards.

Bringing up the next generation with community spirit has gained Napier woman Gabby Allen a Pride of NZ nomination.

A woman's passion for helping first-time parents in Rotorua has been recognised by her community.

Giving young people a chance and encouraging them to do the best they can in life is what Auckland couple Rob and Zee Luisi are all about.

Mary Lou Nation has given up her home to help kittens.

When Chris Herries was told he had been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award he says he was reluctant to accept it.

A desire to hear birds chirping in her garden has helped earn Marion Waterland a nomination in this year's Pride of New Zealand Awards.

When Marcia Guest-McGrath arrived from South Africa in 1978, she did not know what the hardships associated with leaving an extended family behind would result in.

Each week Ted Dooley and his wife Liz visit RSA veterans in hospital - something they have been doing for the past 30 years.

Former corporal Willie Apiata, holder of the Victoria Cross, admits he still finds it hard to think of himself as a hero and is quick to bump off the title to someone else he thinks is worthy of it - his mother.

Being accepted by her peers has been something a young Auckland teenager has always wanted.

Community Spirit category: Being in a wheelchair hasn't stopped a Cambridge man from pushing his limits and helping other young people with a disability do the same.

As Tina Stam sits in her Paraparaumu home rifling through a stack of photos dating back as far as 2001, she introduces each individual in the images.

A Murupara woman credited with single-handedly saving a volunteer fire brigade has been nominated for a Pride of New Zealand Award.

Advocating for the health and recognition of New Zealanders affected by nuclear service has been the goal of Roy Sefton for the past 40 years.