Sam Chapman

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

2010

Tower

New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

Te Pou Toko o te Tau

Sam Chapman

Sam Chapman is a dedicated New Zealand community leader and youth advocate, recognised as the 2010 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year for his transformative work with at-risk individuals and communities. Alongside his wife Thelma, he co-founded the Houhanga Rongo Trust in 1989 and the Awhi Foundation in 2008, initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions about their lives . Their efforts include establishing a “multicultural urban marae” in Ōtara, providing a nurturing environment for those in need . Chapman’s unwavering commitment to social justice and community development continues to inspire and uplift communities across New Zealand.

We have just announced our 100 Tower Local Hero Medallists for 2026. See who’s making a difference in your neighbourhood, and join us in celebrating local legends across the nation!

Meet them 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.

Award Criteria

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

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How do the New Zealand Local Hero Awards work?

All Local Hero nominations are divided up into their regions across Aotearoa.
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.
The top 100 (highest scoring) Local Hero nominees across New Zealand will be honoured as the Local Hero Medallists.
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.