The Kiwibank Local Hero Award - Te Pou Toko o te Tau recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local hapori - communities over the past year. This award acknowledges the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwi who have selflessly worked to make their local hapori a better place.
Selwyn Cook has taken equal employment opportunity to a whole new level.
He will tell you he ‘just pumps gas’ but as owner and operator of 14 Shell and Z Energy service stations throughout the Waikato he employs around 100 full and part time staff and he believes that everybody should be able to find work.
Working alongside a number of organisations such as Workbridge, Enrich +, the Blind Foundation and Idea Services Selwyn has provided meaningful work opportunities to many people with disabilities not only giving them a sense of value and purpose but also breaking societies assumptions that people with a disability are not employable.
Selwyn also supports, both financially and practically, over 100 charities. He is indeed making a difference to the lives of many.
Previous New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
Previous New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
Previous New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
Previous New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
Previous New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
