New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Winners 2016

The Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award aims to identify & reward everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. The New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Awards recognises the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwis who selflessly work to make their local communities a better place.

Regional medal winners

Selwyn Cook

winner

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.