Residents of the Bay of Plenty celebrated their very own 'local heroes” at a special awards ceremony at Tauranga's Classic Flyers Museum.

As part of the 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 22 Kiwibank local heroes were presented with specially made medals to officially recognise their achievements in the community.

Tauranga City Council Deputy Mayor Larry Baldock attended the ceremony to present the medals and congratulate each recipient, along with Rotorua Lakes Councilors Fisher Wang and Merepeka Ruakawa-Tait.

'Each and every award winner tonight embodies the priceless qualities that hold a community together. It was their charity, selflessness and humble generosity that shone bright as we heard each local hero speak about their achievements in our community," says Larry.

'It's for that very reason I stand with them all tonight, to acknowledge the hard work they've each put into this community that has truly made Tauranga the place it is today."

Rotorua Lakes Councillor Fisher Wang says he's proud to be presenting the award to some of Rotorua's finest people.

'The Local Hero Awards are such a fantastic opportunity for Rotorua to says thanks to the those in our community who make it such a wonderful city to live in. Each and every award winner has made profound impacts in the lives of others and I could not be prouder to have stood alongside them all tonight and say thanks,” says Fisher.

The Kiwibank Local Heroes for the Bay of Plenty are:

• Hilary Price (Katikati)
• Diane Stretton Yalden (Taneatua)
• Lettecia Williams (Port Charles)
• Dr Bernard Conlon (Murupara)
• Dr Britta Conlon (Murupara)
• Graham Hoete (Papamoa)
• Josey McKain (Paeroa)
• Steve McKain (Paeroa)
• Tania Lewis Rickard (Tauranga)
• Davina Plummer (Tauranga)
• Charles Harrison (Tauranga)
• Gordon Burr (Tauranga)
• Sam Dowdall (Tauranga)
• Sue Wall-Cade (Mt Maunganui)
• Dave Dobbin (Whakatane)
• Margriet Theron (Rotorua)
• Karen Barker (Reporoa)
• Danielle Porteous (Rotorua)
• Judy Bowen (Rotorua)
• Jan Bellingham (Rotorua)
• Nicky Mayne (Rotorua)
• Tui Martin (Rotorua)

Now in their 11^th year, the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards are New Zealand's premier community awards, celebrating and honouring those who have made a positive contribution to their region, town, suburb or community.

Throughout November and December, 326 medals will be presented nationwide with one New Zealand Local Hero of the Year winner announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards in February 2020.

Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich says honouring Kiwis who are making Kiwis better off is absolutely aligned with the New Zealand-owned bank's purpose.

'The Local Hero Awards honour some of New Zealand's finest people. They celebrate those Kiwis whose hard mahi and determination has improved the lives of many in their communities.

'It is this sense of community and collaboration that creates real impact and inspires us at Kiwibank every year. We're proud to be a part of a truly fantastic celebration of New Zealand's communities and people.”

The 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards are to be presented in six award categories, with the overall winner of each category to be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala on Thursday 20 February 2020.

The categories are:

• Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years)
• Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year (70 years and over)
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
• Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year