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Meet your 2026 Finalists

Tower

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Tower

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Te Pou Toko o te Tau

Tower

2026

Finalists

Māhera Maihi

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau


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Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod

Hawke′s Bay Te Matau-a-Māui


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Terri Middleton-Fairhall

West Coast Tai-o-Poutini


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2026

Semi-Finalists

Rachel Hill

Northland Te Tai Tokerau

Rachel Hill is the CEO, Chair, and Co-Founder of Taimahi Trust, a social enterprise she has grown from a humble coffee cart into a thriving organisation that now employs 12 people and has transformed the lives of nearly 30 whānau living with intellectual disabilities. Along the way, the Trust has also provided food and support for people doing it tough in Whangārei, proving that its impact reaches well beyond disability inclusion.

Alongside leading Taimahi, Rachel coaches others through challenges like anxiety, depression, and workplace bullying, drawing on her own experiences of resilience as a full-time carer for her son and ex-husband. Her mahi is about more than creating jobs – it’s about restoring dignity, purpose, and opportunity. In all she does, Rachel is building a more connected, compassionate community in Te Tai Tokerau.

Peter Adams

Marlborough Te Tauihu-o-te-waka

Peter (Pete) Adams is a stalwart of Taskforce Kiwi, a New Zealand-based volunteer disaster relief organisation, where his dedication and leadership have been instrumental in supporting communities in crisis. Born and bred in Te Tauihu-o-te-waka Marlborough, Pete’s background as a New Zealand Police officer in Auckland, Christchurch, and Tūrangi has equipped him with essential skills which he now utilises in disaster relief. Notably, Pete’s recent leadership during the severe weather events and flooding in Tasman exemplifies his unwavering commitment to support those in need.

Beyond disaster response, Pete plays a key role in Taskforce Kiwi’s growth and improvement. Despite the threat to his own home, he volunteered during the Tasman floods, demonstrating his ‘service before self’ ethos. Internationally recognised for his professionalism, he has led multinational volunteer teams in crisis situations in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. His actions have inspired others to serve, leaving a lasting legacy within the disaster relief sector.

Nielsen Family

Taranaki

The Nielsen family, rooted in Conductive Education Taranaki, embody the spirit of community service and philanthropy. Kevin, the organisation’s dedicated Treasurer, is often seen behind the BBQ at fundraisers, alongside his wife Karin. The whimsical ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ events have garnered a legendary status. They have passed this fervour to their son Craig, a co-founder and board member, Chair of NZ Foundation for Conductive Education. His wife Megan who commits countless hours to fundraising efforts as well as serving on PTA and Cubs committees. The younger generation, Zak, Noah and Jed, follow suit, volunteering at every opportunity. Zak, a user of the service, has been the significant catalyst in mobilising large-scale fundraising efforts.

Their impact extends beyond Conductive Education Taranaki, branching into other community-centric organisations. Kevin serves as President of Riding for the Disabled and Treasurer for Enabling Good Lives Taranaki, while Karin has been a stalwart volunteer at a Hospice shop for 23 years and 20 years with the Cancer Society. Craig and Megan tirelessly advocate for awareness and support for Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, further exemplifying the Nielsen family’s unwavering commitment to bettering their community.

Roman Amosa

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

At only 16 years old, Roman Amosa is transforming the way young people in Aotearoa think about themselves through her family-founded initiative, Fit Teens. Born amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fit Teens is dedicated to empowering rangatahi, particularly Māori and Pasifika youth, to nurture their mental health, physical wellbeing, and confidence. In less than a year, Roman has nurtured this initiative into a thriving community movement, engaging over 440 teens across Auckland, with expansion plans ongoing. FitTeens alongside Aktive and Sport Auckland offers teens 12-18years of age Free and Subsidised 4 week fitness programmes in a commercial gym environment. With professional athletes and qualified trainers as mentors and coaches, FitTeens programmes consist of strength and cardio based training for teens using fitness to encourage confidence and work ethic amongst the youth.

Roman’s leadership extends beyond the boundaries of Fit Teens, as she consistently breaks stereotypes as a young Pasifika female leader. By leading from the front, Roman cultivates an environment of encouragement and empowerment, inspiring countless young people to realise their potential. Her ongoing commitment to her kaupapa is evident in the way she turns up rain, shine, or school day balancing her college studies while continuing to create spaces and solutions that are fun, inclusive, and community-led.

Gary Mitchell

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Gary Mitchell is a tireless environmental leader whose three decades of voluntary mahi have transformed communities and ecosystems across Aotearoa and abroad. Founder of Predator Free Grenada Village and Grenada North, he has mobilised more than 25,000 volunteer hours from over 400 volunteers, removed over 19,000 pests, installed hundreds of traps and bird feeders, and planted thousands of native trees to restore habitats and bring back native wildlife.

Gary’s vision and energy reach far beyond his own backyard. He established the first international Predator Free chapters in Scotland, has led 324 coastal clean-ups across seven countries removing over 250 tonnes of rubbish, and contributes citizen-science data to guide national plastic-waste policy. Locally, he chairs Keep North Wellington Beautiful and Keep Porirua Beautiful, coordinates Grenada Village Neighbourhood Support, leads riparian restoration through Friends of Belmont Stream, and leads the DOC Wasp Wipeout project at Seton Nossiter Park, while serving as a volunteer Senior Honorary Fisheries Officer, White Ribbon Ambassador, Justice of the Peace, and school board member. Gary leads from the front – planting, trapping, and teaching – proving that practical action and shared kaitiakitanga can change both places and people.

Megan Fairley

Otago Ōtākou

Megan Fairley has spent the past five years at the heart of her Ōtepoti Dunedin community, championing mental health and wellbeing across Aotearoa. Every Saturday – rain, hail, or snow – she can be found in the old Cadbury’s carpark, fundraising alongside her small team of former Cadbury staff known as Project Hope and Beyond. Rising before dawn, Megan organises the team, manages gear and donations, and keeps supporters connected through social media – driven by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in helping others.

Through her leadership, Project Hope and Beyond has raised over $100,000 for charities including I AM HOPE, Gumboot Friday, Life Matters, Cyclone Gabrielle relief, Ronald McDonald House, and Movember. Despite personal loss and adversity, Megan continues to lead with empathy and grace. Her work reminds us that kindness and connection can change lives.

Fauzia Bashir

Otago Ōtākou

Fauzia Bashir’s journey is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and service. Once a pioneering lawyer and one of Afghanistan’s first female judges, she fled her homeland after the Taliban took her teenage son, arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand as a refugee. Despite the trauma of loss and the challenges of learning a new language and culture, she rebuilt her life while supporting other migrant and refugee women.

For more than 15 years, Fauzia has been a steadfast leader with Shakti, advocating for women experiencing family violence and helping bridge cultural understanding as a trusted advisor to Dunedin Police. Unafraid to challenge injustice and patriarchal norms, she has become a powerful voice for women whose stories often go unheard. Her tireless dedication to service and her unshakable moral courage have transformed countless lives and made her a guiding light for women and migrant communities across Aotearoa.

MEET OUR 100 MEDALLISTS HERE

This award acknowledges those whose actions have had a significant and lasting impact in their communities. These quiet champions don’t wait for change – they create it. With conviction, care, and follow-through, our Local Hero recipients reflect the Aotearoa we all want to live in.

 

Nominees of this Award must:

  • Be an individual, duo or whānau/family 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 (or people) you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you over the past year to nominate them as New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
  • 10 points: PURPOSE:
    Who benefits from their work, contribution, or influence – and how?
  • 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
    How do they 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 have they clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their local community? (be it geographical community, or community of specific interest).

Conditions of Entry

_________________________________________________________________________

How do the New Zealand Local Hero Awards work?

  1. All Local Hero nominations are divided up into their regions across Aotearoa.
  2. Nominations for each region are then sent on to the panel Local Hero Judges for that area, for their consideration – who score the nominees based on the criteria above.
  3. The top 100 (highest scoring) Local Hero nominees across New Zealand will be honoured as the Local Hero Medallists.
  4. The 100 Local Hero Medallists will also go forward into the next round of Awards judging, to be considered for the national title of New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau. The 10 semi-finalists for this national title will be announced in December, the top three finalists in February, and the ultimate winner will be revealed at our Awards Gala in March.

2025

Semi Finalists

Peter Adams

Marlborough Te Tauihu-o-te-waka

Peter (Pete) Adams is a stalwart of Taskforce Kiwi, a New Zealand-based volunteer disaster relief organisation, where his dedication and leadership have been instrumental in supporting communities in crisis. Born and bred in Te Tauihu-o-te-waka Marlborough, Pete’s background as a New Zealand Police officer in Auckland, Christchurch, and Tūrangi has equipped him with essential skills which he now utilises in disaster relief. Notably, Pete’s recent leadership during the severe weather events and flooding in Tasman exemplifies his unwavering commitment to support those in need.

Beyond disaster response, Pete plays a key role in Taskforce Kiwi’s growth and improvement. Despite the threat to his own home, he volunteered during the Tasman floods, demonstrating his ‘service before self’ ethos. Internationally recognised for his professionalism, he has led multinational volunteer teams in crisis situations in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. His actions have inspired others to serve, leaving a lasting legacy within the disaster relief sector.

Fauzia Bashir

Otago Ōtākou

Fauzia Bashir’s journey is one of extraordinary courage, resilience, and service. Once a pioneering lawyer and one of Afghanistan’s first female judges, she fled her homeland after the Taliban took her teenage son, arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand as a refugee. Despite the trauma of loss and the challenges of learning a new language and culture, she rebuilt her life while supporting other migrant and refugee women.

For more than 15 years, Fauzia has been a steadfast leader with Shakti, advocating for women experiencing family violence and helping bridge cultural understanding as a trusted advisor to Dunedin Police. Unafraid to challenge injustice and patriarchal norms, she has become a powerful voice for women whose stories often go unheard. Her tireless dedication to service and her unshakable moral courage have transformed countless lives and made her a guiding light for women and migrant communities across Aotearoa.

Nielsen Family

Taranaki

The Nielsen family, rooted in Conductive Education Taranaki, embody the spirit of community service and philanthropy. Kevin, the organisation’s dedicated Treasurer, is often seen behind the BBQ at fundraisers, alongside his wife Karin. The whimsical ‘Mad Hatters Tea Party’ events have garnered a legendary status. They have passed this fervour to their son Craig, a co-founder and board member, Chair of NZ Foundation for Conductive Education. His wife Megan who commits countless hours to fundraising efforts as well as serving on PTA and Cubs committees. The younger generation, Zak, Noah and Jed, follow suit, volunteering at every opportunity. Zak, a user of the service, has been the significant catalyst in mobilising large-scale fundraising efforts.

Their impact extends beyond Conductive Education Taranaki, branching into other community-centric organisations. Kevin serves as President of Riding for the Disabled and Treasurer for Enabling Good Lives Taranaki, while Karin has been a stalwart volunteer at a Hospice shop for 23 years and 20 years with the Cancer Society. Craig and Megan tirelessly advocate for awareness and support for Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome, further exemplifying the Nielsen family’s unwavering commitment to bettering their community.

Roman Amosa

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

At only 16 years old, Roman Amosa is transforming the way young people in Aotearoa think about themselves through her family-founded initiative, Fit Teens. Born amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Fit Teens is dedicated to empowering rangatahi, particularly Māori and Pasifika youth, to nurture their mental health, physical wellbeing, and confidence. In less than a year, Roman has nurtured this initiative into a thriving community movement, engaging over 440 teens across Auckland, with expansion plans ongoing. FitTeens alongside Aktive and Sport Auckland offers teens 12-18years of age Free and Subsidised 4 week fitness programmes in a commercial gym environment. With professional athletes and qualified trainers as mentors and coaches, FitTeens programmes consist of strength and cardio based training for teens using fitness to encourage confidence and work ethic amongst the youth.

Roman’s leadership extends beyond the boundaries of Fit Teens, as she consistently breaks stereotypes as a young Pasifika female leader. By leading from the front, Roman cultivates an environment of encouragement and empowerment, inspiring countless young people to realise their potential. Her ongoing commitment to her kaupapa is evident in the way she turns up rain, shine, or school day balancing her college studies while continuing to create spaces and solutions that are fun, inclusive, and community-led.

Megan Fairley

Otago Ōtākou

Megan Fairley has spent the past five years at the heart of her Ōtepoti Dunedin community, championing mental health and wellbeing across Aotearoa. Every Saturday – rain, hail, or snow – she can be found in the old Cadbury’s carpark, fundraising alongside her small team of former Cadbury staff known as Project Hope and Beyond. Rising before dawn, Megan organises the team, manages gear and donations, and keeps supporters connected through social media – driven by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in helping others.

Through her leadership, Project Hope and Beyond has raised over $100,000 for charities including I AM HOPE, Gumboot Friday, Life Matters, Cyclone Gabrielle relief, Ronald McDonald House, and Movember. Despite personal loss and adversity, Megan continues to lead with empathy and grace. Her work reminds us that kindness and connection can change lives.

Rachel Hill

Northland Te Tai Tokerau

Rachel Hill is the CEO, Chair, and Co-Founder of Taimahi Trust, a social enterprise she has grown from a humble coffee cart into a thriving organisation that now employs 12 people and has transformed the lives of nearly 30 whānau living with intellectual disabilities. Along the way, the Trust has also provided food and support for people doing it tough in Whangārei, proving that its impact reaches well beyond disability inclusion.

Alongside leading Taimahi, Rachel coaches others through challenges like anxiety, depression, and workplace bullying, drawing on her own experiences of resilience as a full-time carer for her son and ex-husband. Her mahi is about more than creating jobs – it’s about restoring dignity, purpose, and opportunity. In all she does, Rachel is building a more connected, compassionate community in Te Tai Tokerau.

Gary Mitchell

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Gary Mitchell is a tireless environmental leader whose three decades of voluntary mahi have transformed communities and ecosystems across Aotearoa and abroad. Founder of Predator Free Grenada Village and Grenada North, he has mobilised more than 25,000 volunteer hours from over 400 volunteers, removed over 19,000 pests, installed hundreds of traps and bird feeders, and planted thousands of native trees to restore habitats and bring back native wildlife.

Gary’s vision and energy reach far beyond his own backyard. He established the first international Predator Free chapters in Scotland, has led 324 coastal clean-ups across seven countries removing over 250 tonnes of rubbish, and contributes citizen-science data to guide national plastic-waste policy. Locally, he chairs Keep North Wellington Beautiful and Keep Porirua Beautiful, coordinates Grenada Village Neighbourhood Support, leads riparian restoration through Friends of Belmont Stream, and leads the DOC Wasp Wipeout project at Seton Nossiter Park, while serving as a volunteer Senior Honorary Fisheries Officer, White Ribbon Ambassador, Justice of the Peace, and school board member. Gary leads from the front – planting, trapping, and teaching – proving that practical action and shared kaitiakitanga can change both places and people.

Previous

winners

2025 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Finalist Subash Chandar K

Subash Chandar K

2025
Sally Walker, 2024 Local Hero of the Year

Sally Walker ONZM

2024
Dr Ellen Ford, 2023 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Dr Ellen Joan Ford (nee Nelson)

2023
Dave Letele, 2022 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Dave Letele

2022

Shannon Te Huia

2021
Nick Loosley, 2020 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Nick Loosley

2020

Pera Barrett

2019

Ricky Houghton

2018

Hayden Smith

2017

Selwyn Cook

2016

Billie Jordan

2015

Cecilia Sullivan-Grant MNZM

2014
Jim Morunga, 2013 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Jim Morunga

2013
Henare O'Keefe, 2012 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Henare O’Keefe

2012
Billy Graham, 2011 New Zealander of the Year

Billy Graham MNZM

2011
Sam Chapman, 2010 Local Hero of the Year

Sam Chapman

2010
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