One hundred Kiwis making a difference in their communities have been named Tower Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.

Among them are eight outstanding Bay of Plenty locals recognised for their leadership and service:

• Anne Partridge – Two decades of volunteer leadership keeping her Junior Football Club thriving and inspiring young players.
• Craig Nees – Helping young people find purpose and confidence through the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust.
• Jane Ford – A lifeline for families navigating disability and health challenges as regional co-ordinator for Parent to Parent.
• Jason Rive – Decades of service as a firefighter, surf lifesaver and search-and-rescue co-ordinator in Pukehina.
• Logan Donnelly – Advocacy reshaping perceptions of fatherhood and mental health nationwide.
• Rosemary Sloman – Decades of care and practical support for people across Te Moana-a-Toi.
• Scotty Harvey – Taking mental-health support to the streets through UOKBRO NZ.
• Siobhan Mikaere – Founder and CEO of RRR – Rescue Revive Rehome BOP Charitable Trust, championing animal welfare and community wellbeing.

Tower chief executive Paul Johnston said the awards celebrated people shaping a better future.

“To the 100 local hero medallists – congratulations, this recognition is a true reflection of the impact you’ve had on Aotearoa,” Johnston said.

Earlier this year, nominations were called for and judges selected 100 medallists from across the country.

The medallists are now in the running for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award.

Key dates:

• Semi-finalists announced Thursday, December 11, 2025.
• Finalists revealed Thursday, February 26, 2026.
• Winners celebrated at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala on Thursday, March 19, 2026.