Nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa close at midnight tonight but already Southlanders have been keen to nominate worthy recipients.

Earlier this week West Coast and Southland were leading the charge with the most nominations per capita for the Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year Award – Te Pou Toko o te Tau.

The awards seek to celebrate what connects the nation, our people, by nominating the unsung heroes, ensuring their mahi doesn’t go unnoticed.

Sixteen winners will be honoured from all regions across Aotearoa, to be recognised as a Kiwibank Local Hero. Nominees will be making a positive difference to their community and show selflessness and determination to make a difference.

This year’s winner will join Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o te Tau alumni; Nick Loosley – Everybody Eats (Auckland, 2020), Pera Barret – Shoebox Christmas (Wellington, 2019), Ricky Houghton – He Korowai Trust (Kaitaia, 2018), Hayden Smith – Sea Cleaners (Auckland, 2017), Selwyn Cook – Equal Employment Opportunity Campaigner (Waikato, 2016), Billie Jordan – The Hip Operation Crew (Auckland, 2015).

Kiwibank Local Hero nominations will be rigorously evaluated by three rounds of independent judging panels and the 16 regional Local Heroes will be announced in November. The Local Heroes go forward for semi-finalist judging in December and finalist judging in January with the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o te Tau announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards gala event in Auckland on March 18, 2021.

Nominations are also being sought for exceptional individuals or community organisations in the

following categories:

• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau

• Ryman Heathcare Senior New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau

• Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year – Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau

• University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātātahi o te Tau

Nominations can be made by any member of the public right up until 11.59pm tonight (Sunday, August 30) by completing the online nomination form HERE.