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Meet your 2025 Semi-Finalists

Kiwibank

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Kiwibank

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Te Pou Toko o te Tau

Kiwibank

2025

Semi-Finalists

Birgette McCarthy

Waikato

Birgette McCarthy is a dedicated advocate for vulnerable rangatahi across Aotearoa, working tirelessly to transform lives and break cycles of hardship. Her work alongside Oranga Tamariki has been pivotal in reshaping generational patterns and improving outcomes for at-risk youth. A solo mother for much of her life, Birgette has overcome her own personal challenges, including the loss of her mother last year – a woman who laid the foundation for Birgette’s lifelong drive to support young people.

Birgette holds a master’s degree focused on parent education around youth suicide prevention, and is now pursuing a PhD in social work with a focus on rangatahi disconnection. As CEO / Director of Talitonu Te Kaha Trust (Believe in Potential), Birgette champions the belief that every young person deserves access to resources and opportunities. In the last three years, she has achieved a 90% success rate in enrolling the girls she works with into tertiary education or employment. Overall, her unwavering compassion continues to quietly and profoundly change lives.

Campbell Hill

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

Campbell Hill is a co-founder of Good Neighbour in Tauranga, providing practical opportunities for people to connect with and support one another. For over a decade, Cam has led initiatives ranging from backyard projects and firewood distribution to community gardens, food rescue, and the Care Team – all of which have made Good Neighbour a household name. His vision is simple yet powerful: by working together and contributing what we can, we can uplift both individuals and neighbourhoods. This belief forms the foundation for the inclusive, compassionate community Cam has created.

With over 300 active volunteers, 70+ partner organisations, and collaborations with local supermarkets, orchards, and businesses like Zespri, Good Neighbour redistributes surplus food and empowers people to help each other. Cam’s positivity, generosity, and unwavering commitment continue to inspire countless people across Tauranga, making him the epitome of a true “Good Neighbour.”

Char Harris

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

Char Harris is a driving force behind Unseen Heroes, an organisation supporting young carers under 25 (rangatahi often taking on significant caregiving responsibilities for whānau, while still trying to grow and develop themselves). Through a range of camps and initiatives, Charmaine creates a space for young people to connect, helping them to build meaningful relationships and find a sense of belonging. Her impact is immediate and profound – youth who arrive withdrawn and uncertain often leave with newfound confidence, self-love, and a brighter perspective on life.

Alongside co-founder Te Rina Ruru, Charmaine has poured her heart and soul into Unseen Heroes, supporting a significant number of young people with mental health, education, employment, and life outside of caregiving. As an advocate for whānau living with a family member’s trauma, Charmaine has highlighted the great need for this kind of support across Aotearoa – celebrating the strength and pride of young carers while ensuring they are seen, heard, and supported.

Dr Mai Tamimi MNZM

Otago Ōtākou

Dr. Mai Tamimi MNZM is a prominent community leader known for her work advancing cultural diversity and community well-being in Ōtepoti Dunedin and across New Zealand. As Team Leader of Community Partnerships at Dunedin City Council, she focuses on women, youth, and ethnic communities. Originally from Palestine, Dr. Tamimi moved to New Zealand in 2008 to pursue a PhD in Human Geography at the University of Otago. She has been a steadfast advocate for building understanding between ethnic groups and challenging stereotypes.

Dr. Tamimi played a key role in supporting the Muslim community following the Christchurch terror attacks and served on Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Government’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the attacks. She has been actively involved in interfaith dialogue and supported families during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for refugee integration through language services and social support.

As Board Chair of HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand, Dr. Tamimi has worked to amplify the voices of migrants and refugees in New Zealand’s resettlement services. Her ongoing commitment to inclusivity, cultural understanding, and a more welcoming Aotearoa has left a lasting impact on the country’s multicultural landscape.

Henare Ngaera O'Keefe QSM JP

Hawke′s Bay Te Matau-a-Māui

Henare Ngaera O’Keefe QSM JP is a living legend in Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay, known for his humble, proactive approach to combatting violence and uplifting disadvantaged communities. A man on a mission, Henare empowers individuals through practical initiatives, such as the Flaxmere Community Garden and Flaxmere Boxing Academy – creating spaces for locals to feel a sense of belonging. This drive extends to his home-life: for over two decades, Henare and his wife Pam have fostered more than 200 children, opening their doors with love and compassion.

A dedicated advocate for social change, Henare rallied the community around the “Enough is Enough” hikoi, galvanising public action against violence. His mobile BBQ, Tunu Tunu, has fed hundreds of families – often working from midnight through to early hours of the morning. Today, his impact extends nationwide as he shares his message of love in schools and communities, earning accolades such as the Queen’s Service Medal.

Kahira-Rata Olley MNZM

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

Kahira-Rata Olley MNZM is a passionate advocate for survivors of domestic violence and those facing generational trauma – founding a range of support programmes and initiatives in the Rotorua community. Overcoming 25 years of family violence, Kahira channelled her own experiences into a mission to support others. In 2019, she and her whānau founded Save Our Babies Charitable Trust, offering safe spaces for wāhine and young girls to heal and thrive.

Her initiatives include wellness programmes like ‘All About Me,’ a community fitness group, and ‘Full Puku Full Potential,’ a free school lunch programme. Support groups such as ‘Serenity Sistaz’ and ‘Sister Two Sister’ uplift women and teens, while the ‘UnSilenced Photoshoot and Runway Event’ shares survivors’ stories through art and fashion.

Kahira’s global advocacy, including awareness-raising through long-distance running, highlights her commitment to ending family violence. By sharing her story, she inspires healing and works to prevent intergenerational trauma, championing a brighter future for her community and beyond.

Matt Ashton

Canterbury Waitaha

Matt Ashton is a committed peer support worker for male survivors of sexual trauma, many of whom were abused in state and faith-based care. Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Matt provides unwavering support, recently helping these men navigate the difficult process of the Royal Commission into abuse in care. He played a crucial role in the renaming of a Christchurch street and reserve – previously named after Marylands Catholic School, and now known as Validation Reserve and Validation Drive – symbolising the survivors’ healing and reclamation of their narrative.

In addition, Matt organises activities like cooking classes and BBQs to combat isolation, and hosts Christmas lunches for those without families. He helps survivors access counselling, and supports them through the challenging process of filing complaints with the Police. Matt’s dedication and courage have empowered these men, offering them hope and validation on their journey to recovery.

Shirley Potter

Waikato

Since retiring to Tauranga-Taupō in 2011, Shirley Potter has become a remarkable force in environmental conservation and community service. Leading the restoration of the Oruatua Recreation Reserve, Shirley (and friends) have transformed a neglected 14-hectare area into a thriving forest by planting over 43,000 native trees. Her efforts, involving significant collaboration with iwi, hapū, local authorities and other community groups, have revitalised local ecosystems, helping local bird species like kererū, pōpokotea, korimako and tūī thrive.

Shirley’s work with Project Tongariro has been crucial in protecting native wildlife, particularly through her leadership of rat and stoat trapping initiatives at Lake Rotopounamu, Mt Pihanga. Beyond her environmental projects, Shirley is known for her compassion, checking on community members and assisting with firewood to those in need. Her efforts not only restore nature, but also restore connection – cultivating a flourishing community grounded in care and collective action.

Subash Chandar K

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Subash Chandar K – known online as ‘infinityplusone’ – is a game-changing mathematics educator who has made a significant impact on students across Aotearoa New Zealand since 2013. As a middle school teacher at Ormiston Junior College in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Subash has created a popular YouTube channel that provides free, detailed tutorials and live streams covering NCEA Level 1, 2, and 3 Mathematics. His step-by-step exam walkthroughs and accessible explanations of complex concepts have helped over 55,000 students improve their understanding and confidence in maths.

Subash’s kindness and passion for teaching shine through in every interaction, as he grows a supportive learning community where students can ask questions and collaborate. His dedication to making maths approachable and engaging has been life-changing for many learners, leading to improved exam results and a deeper appreciation for the subject. Through his innovative and selfless efforts, Subash has become a vital educational resource for students across the country.

Tāme Iti

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

Tāme Iti (Ngai Tūhoe, Te Arawa, Waikato) is a powerful advocate for Māori rights and a key figure in Aotearoa New Zealand’s journey towards justice, equity, and cultural revival. For decades, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of historical injustices faced by Māori, championing decolonisation and the evolution of a bicultural society. As a talented artist, actor, and community leader, Tāme’s acclaimed creative endeavours have challenged conventional narratives and provoked thoughtful engagement with New Zealand’s complex history.

In 2024, he led a landmark hīkoi to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where hundreds of supporters, dressed in white and carrying flags symbolising a blank canvas, created a powerful statement that was both protest and art.In everything he does, Tāme inspires New Zealanders to envision a future built on true partnership. His leadership and bold vision serve as both an inspiration and a call to action, and his lifelong mahi has profoundly impacted our collective identity.

These people who have made a positive difference in their corner of Aotearoa. They demonstrate selflessness and determination in their efforts to make a difference to their community – be it their local (geographical) community, or community of specific interest.

Whether their impact is in a particular field, or courageously overcoming personal adversity, their contributions are truly inspiring to inspire every New Zealander.

Nominees of this Award must:

  • Be an individual who has made (or is making) a significant contribution to their region, town, suburb, community (be it geographical community, or community of specific interest), iwi, or local group.
  • Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
  • Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight selflessness for their community.
  • Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.

Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:

  • 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
    Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you over the past year to nominate them as 2025 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
  • 10 points: PURPOSE:
    Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how?
  • 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
    How does this person set a positive example for other members of their local community?
  • 10 points: COMMITMENT:
    Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond to show leadership, create change, and give back?
  • 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
    How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their local community? (be it geographical community, or community of specific interest).

Conditions of Entry

_________________________________________________________________________

How do the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards work?

  1. All Local Hero nominations are divided up into regions across Aotearoa
  2. Nominations for each region are then sent on to the three Local Hero Judges for that region, for their consideration.
  3. Nominations are scored by regional Local Hero Judges based on the criteria above
  4. The top 100 (highest scoring) Local Hero nominees across New Zealand will be honoured in December. While we won’t be having official medal ceremonies this year, we’re making sure we recognise these inspiring New Zealanders by sending each of them their medals — and even hand-delivering a few throughout Aotearoa
  5. The 100 Local Hero Medallists go forward to Category Judging Day in November for the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau national award and 10 semi-finalists will be announced in mid-January
  6. The 10 semi-finalists will be considered at the Executive Judging Day in late January. Three will be announced as the finalists in the New Zealand Local Hero award in February, and of those three, one will be awarded the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau title at the Gala event in March 2025 in Auckland

Previous

winners

Sally Walker

2024

Dr Ellen Joan Nelson (nee Ford)

2023

Dave Letele

2022

Shannon Te Huia

2021

Nick Loosley

2020

Pera Barrett

2019

Ricky Houghton

2018

Hayden Smith

2017

Selwyn Cook

2016

Billie Jordan

2015

Cecilia Sullivan-Grant MNZM

2014

View Local Hero Medallists

Thanks to our generous sponsor whānau
that make the awards possible

Contact
office@nzawards.org.nz
media@nzawards.org.nz

PO Box 1158
Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

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