Kiwi icon heads on epic road trip to celebrate our heroes
Wednesday 7 September 2011, 9:34AM
By Kiwibank
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On Friday September 9, Raymond, Kiwibank’s smart car heads off on a nationwide road trip seeking nominations for the 2012 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards. Starting in Bluff, Raymond will visit communities and Local Heroes around New Zealand over six weeks, finishing his trip in Cape Reinga.
Raymond will be spreading the word that nominations are open, visiting previous Local Hero winners and encouraging Kiwis across the country to nominate people from their communities.
“These awards are about celebrating what’s great about New Zealanders, both in our cities and small towns. They could be involved in meals on wheels or helping at their local school, right through to those inspirational Kiwis who are putting New Zealand on the world stage,” says Emma McDonald, National Awards Manager.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand’s most vital asset – its people. The Awards celebrate the contribution of New Zealanders from all walks of life and provide Kiwis with an opportunity to recognise someone who inspires them, makes them proud and embodies pure Kiwi spirit.
There are five categories: Kiwibank Local Heroes, Mitre 10 Community of the Year, Coca Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year, Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year and the overall Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.
Raymond is hosting a series of community events along with Classic Hits and previous Local Hero winners. The first event is in Bluff this Friday with Invercargill Mayor and well known personality, Tim Shadbolt attending.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response from the people of Bluff and right across the country to our road trip. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate those ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities. One in four Kiwis are involved in some kind of volunteer work, and what better way to recognise their efforts than through the New Zealander of the Year Awards,” says Nicky Ashton, Head of Marketing for Kiwibank.