A number of local people have been honoured as Kiwibank Local Hero medallists from Whanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Horowhenua.
Pictured at the ceremony are back row (from left) Mark Jackson, Ken Smith, Kelly Scarrow, Charles Quirk, John Palliser; middle row (from left) Brian Green, councillor Rachel Bowen, Norma McCarthy, Clare Barrett (receiving on behalf of Isabelle Maloret), Carla Donson, Merenia Donne, Robert Martin, Cheryl Palliser, Tracey Berry (Kiwibank); front centre Taumaihiroa Tawhai-Porter (receiving on behalf of Tina Ngata).
Among them were Whanganui's Charles Quirk.
With close to 50 years' service to the Cadet Forces, the squadron leader "has made a positive contribution to the lives on many young New Zealanders", his bio for the award reads.
"His services to youth via the Air Training Corps in Whanganui has seen him involved in all areas of the local community, from planning clean ups at local war graves to volunteering at events across the region."