Three Dunedin residents were honoured for doing exceptional things as part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2015.
The Dunedin winners were presented with their Local Hero awards alongside seven other Otago recipients last week at a special medal presentation ceremony in Dunedin. The Dunedin winners were Special Rigs for Special Kids founder Greg Inch, Mercy Hospital stalwart Sister Mary Chanel and St Bernadettes Gymnastic Club head coach Patricia Broad.
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- Special Rigs for Special Kids founder Greg Inch
- Mercy Hospital stalwart Sister Mary Chanel
- Bernadettes Gymnastic Club head coach Patricia Broad
Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull congratulated the recipients and said it was vital that communities continued to acknowledge the contributions they made.
''Many of these medal winners are unsung heroes whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many. ''Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are what hold a community together and, as a community, we must stand alongside one another and give thanks for their efforts,'' he said.
Now in their sixth year, the awards will see 201 medals presented nationwide. One of the winners will be named national Local Heroes winner at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards in Auckland in February next year.
They will be selected from three finalists present at the dinner.
The judging panel, comprising representatives of the awards, patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts, will announce the 10 semifinalists next month. The three finalists will be announced in the new year.
Kiwibank chief executive Paul Brock said Kiwibank was proud to support local communities and acknowledge the achievements of their outstanding individuals.
