In another year of uncertainty and lockdowns, from thousands of nominations 70 inspiring semi-finalists across seven award categories were selected and the Waikato is home to four of the semi-finalists in the categories of Young New Zealander of the Year, New Zealand Innovator of the Year New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year and New Zealand Community of the Year.
Hamiltonian Ezra Hirawani started his own power company to provide electricity to the many New Zealanders living in energy hardship.
A semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year, Hirawani set up his own power company, Nau Mai Rā – purpose-built, kaupapa Māori energy retailer.
Nau Mai Rā’s model, which asks customers to pay their bills weekly and cultivates mana-enhancing relationships, has resulted in steady payments and one of the industry’s lowest debt rates.
The company does not undertake credit checks or have a disconnection policy. As an added incentive, a portion of each power bill goes to the customer’s local marae or a nominated community initiative.
Based in Pōkeno, former policeman Inu Akerei Maresala-Thomson is the founder of MYRIVR, a social good, community app that connects users with health and social services around the country.
The MyRivr app connects people to 8,000 community services and 30,000 professionals nationwide.
Semi-finalist for New Zealand Innovator of the Year, Maresala-Thomson’s goal is for MYRIVR to become the largest enabler of community services globally.
The app is also available via self-help kiosks in community libraries.
Semi-finalist for New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year, community waste expert Jacqui Forbes is passionate about zero waste.
From Raglan, Forbes is the kaihautu matua (general manager) for Para Kore Marae Incorporated, which educates and advocates from a Māori worldview for a world without waste.
Established in 2008, Forbes has led Para Kore since its first days, bringing together a team of educators who have delivered workshops and connected with more than 400,000 people throughout the country; topics such as composting, food sovereignty, circular systems, DIY environmentally friendly products, Ikura (waste-free periods), gardening and micro-greens are all taught.
Para Kore is also a semi-finalist for the New Zealand Community of the Year.
The Māori, not-for-profit organisation’s mission is to educate and advocate from te ao Māori (a Māori worldview) to strengthen connection to Ranginui and Papatūānuku.
Kaiārahi work regionally delivering the innovative Para Kore education programme to marae, whānau, hapū, iwi, kura, kōhanga reo, puna reo, kindergarten, community organisations, events, churches, tertiary institutions, companies, community gardens, and kaumātua rōpū.
Their work contributes to moving up the waste hierarchy, building a circular economy, increasing biodiversity, supporting climate justice and action, and regenerating ecosystems.
Each category will have one award winner selected from three finalists.
The regional and national judging panel includes representatives comprising of the awards patron, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts.
An official awards gala presentation dinner is scheduled for 31 March in Auckland where nominees, semi-finalists and finalists will be formally recognised.
