Canterbury’s local heroes
Meet Canterbury’s local heroes – each a force for good in their community.
An extraordinary group of 100 Kiwis making a positive difference in their communities have been announced as the Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
With conviction, compassion, and courage, they drive real change – improving lives, strengthening connections, and inspiring others to do the same. Together, they show the best of Aotearoa in action. They’re restoring the environment, feeding and housing whānau, responding in crises, mentoring rangatahi, and proving that leadership begins at the local level.
Earlier in the year, the New Zealander of the Year Awards Office called on Aotearoa to nominate local heroes – which was met with an incredible number of submissions. After careful consideration from an independent and diverse judging panel of 50, 100 outstanding Kiwis were honoured as medallists, and from Canterbury, those were:
- Dr Philip Bagshaw: Dr Philip’s profound commitment to equitable healthcare has transformed lives, offering free medical services to those in need and tirelessly advocating for systemic reform in Aotearoa.
- Florence Waaka (Flow): For more than ten years, Flow (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu) has led Feed a Bro, a grassroots initiative offering kai, kōrero, and care to people experiencing homelessness.
- Gina Eccersall: Gina has led from the front in some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s toughest disaster responses, proving the extraordinary impact that skilled, compassionate volunteers can have in times of crisis.
- Joshua Potter-Gardiner: Joshua is a dedicated advocate for people experiencing homelessness in Ōtautahi Christchurch, tirelessly advocating for systemic change and providing hands-on support to those most in need.
- Liz Hodge (pictured): Liz has dedicated her life to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through her tireless service to Riding for the Disabled, leaving a lasting legacy of confidence, achievement, and community support.
- Sam Rasmussen: Sam, through his leadership at Taskforce Kiwi, has profoundly impacted communities in crisis, embodying operational excellence and fostering a resilient, purpose-driven volunteer force dedicated to coordinated disaster response.
- Symone Hurley: Through Dear Effie, Symone is transforming personal heartbreak into hope in Hakatere Ashburton – helping grieving children and families find care, connection, and comfort when they need it most.
To learn more about the medallists and their incredible stories, visit nzawards.org.nz/local-heroes. The Medallists are now in the running for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
