Creating innovative garments for amputees and founding a world-first eating disorder service are among the achievements in the Southern region which have been recognised in the Kiwibank Local Hero awards.
Five Otago individuals and one Southlander are among 100 New Zealanders to receive local hero medals in this year’s New Zealander of the Year Awards, for their extraordinary action to better our communities and our nation.
Otago’s medallists are Emma Corbett (creator of innovative garment solutions for amputees and the disability community); Ethan Reille (a leader committed to building a safer, fairer community); Juanita Willems (a community-minded women supporting tamariki through Foster Hope Otago and her charity Darkness into Light); Kristie Amadio (founder of Recovered Living, the first eating disorder service that offers 24/7 live-in care and online support); and Megan Fairley (a mental health advocate, dedicated to fundraising for various mental health and community charities).
Southland’s medallist is Gavin Evans, a Lego enthusiast who uses his passion to raise funds and provide support for his community.
The medallists are now in the running for the national local hero award.
The semifinalists for the award, and six other award category semifinalists will be announced in mid-December.
The award winners will be announced at the national awards dinner in Auckland on March 31.
