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:
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
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How do the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards work?
Cecilia was one of the first members of the Dunedin Mayor’s task force for jobs. She was instrumental within this group in developing a tracking program for youth leaving school, the hitchhiker’s guide to apprenticeships, and the graduation ceremonies for apprentices. The ceremony for apprentices was a Dunedin initiative that is now a regular occurrence throughout our country. Cecilia visualised and developed the “Earn and Learn” campaign for a group in approximately 2000. This was to promote apprenticeships at a time when they had almost entirely disappeared. For more than 13 years, Cecilia has worked primarily as a self-employment advisor to persons with disabilities so severe that mainstream work was not an option. She helped manage a portfolio of 40 successful small businesses, with an independent analysis producing a result of a 12.5% return rate. She also worked as an employment facilitator, enabling disadvantaged people to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. The clients all had some form of disability, including those with mental health issues.
A member of the internationally recognised Clinton Foundation formed by former US President Bill Clinton, Cecilia believes in thinking globally and acting locally. She has designed learning and development techniques to enable and empower people with Complex Schizophrenia and Bipolar, among other disorders, to gain and maintain employment within the community. She maintains that “If you take care of the person first, then the rest will take care of itself.” Cecilia herself has a unique perspective on the challenges of working life while dealing with personal challenges. As a sufferer of Crohn’s Disease, she recently spent 14+ months on a liquid diet only while waiting for lifesaving surgery. Despite having a suppressed immune system due to illness and required medication, she maintained her full workload, supporting clients to achieve their goals and aspirations in work and life. Cecilia’s passion for creating and providing tools for people to live, grow, and work successfully knows no bounds.
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winners
Championing
New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
Steve Jurkovich
Kiwibank Chief Executive
“Kiwibank has been a part of New Zealander of the Year and the Local Hero Awards for over 14 years. It’s an ideal partnership for us as it is so aligned with our purpose to make Kiwi better off. The local heroes we are here celebrating tonight are making a difference to New Zealand communities that is real, lasting, and local. They’ve stood up to give others a voice of support, to break down social barriers and to tirelessly serve their community. More often than not, these are humble individuals. True local heroes aren’t in this for 15 minutes of fame, instead they care about the difference they are making in the lives of their friends, families and communities. It’s about how they are making Aotearoa and our communities better off too.”
Contact
office@nzawards.org.nz
media@nzawards.org.nz
PO Box 1158
Christchurch 8140 New Zealand