Acts of kindness get communities through tough times

Acts of kindness get communities through tough times

The Kiwi sprit of helping one another out is as strong as it’s ever been. And according to Glyn Taylor, Manager of the 2014 Kiwibank Local Hero Awards, it’s that selflessness and charity that’s been helping local communities get through some exceptionally difficult times.

Mr Taylor has been travelling throughout New Zealand hosting special medal presentation ceremonies as part of the Kiwibank Local Hero Awards. This year, 113 New Zealanders were presented with Local Hero medals in front of their friends, family and those whose lives they’d touched in the community.

“I’ve seen first-hand just how important these people are to their communities. And you can’t escape the overwhelming sense of gratitude these communities have for their local heroes.

“Their acts of kindness and selflessness help communities deal with the uncertainty brought about through high unemployment, rising costs of living, or even the earthquake recovery. This proves that Kiwis have responded to the difficulties of the last five years by helping each other.

“Whether it’s the Coast Guard volunteer, the dance instructor, or the teacher who went the extra mile to help a family settle their child – all of these people are real human beings displaying real acts of kindness. These kinds of people are the pillars of our community. They make New Zealand a much better place to live,” he said.

As part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2014, the Kiwibank Local Hero awards are the ultimate recognition for good deeds in the community. Each year, people in the community can nominate anyone they think has made a powerful impact on the lives of others. They may be involved in business, leadership, voluntary work, community and environmental groups, education, sporting clubs, working with the disadvantaged or have displayed courage in overcoming a personal adversity.

An overall ‘New Zealand’s Local Hero’ will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards in Auckland in February next year.

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