As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 18 winners of the Local Heroes category were awarded medals at a ceremony held at The Petite Fleur.
The medals were presented by Dunedin city councillor Rachel Elder, who congratulated the recipients and said it was vital the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they had made.
"Many of these medal winners are unsung heroes whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many in the community.
"Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are the glue that hold a community together, and as a community we must stand alongside one another and give thanks for their efforts.''
The recipients were: Scott Weatherall, Lox Kellas, Heather McGregor, Michael Paardekooper, Ashleigh Smith, Charlotte Aarden, Hayden Paddon, Peter Watts, Keryn Tubbs, David Brown, Anna Hoek-Sims, Kevin Moore, Nikki Cockburn, Peter Lewis, Carly Laughton, Gordon Divers, Holly Robinson, and Unicrew/Sleep Out Team.
Otago Rescue Helicopter chief pilot Graeme Gale, of Dunedin, is also on the list, but because he is a previous medal recipient, he is not eligible for a second medal.
However, he will be considered alongside the other medal recipients, for the national award, which will be announced on February 22.
Nearly 350 medals have been presented nationwide this year.
