The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is proud to announce the 100 Tower Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau - an extraordinary group of Kiwi making a positive difference in their communities.
Each of these Medallists is a force for good in their community. 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.
In 2025 these Local Hero medallists continue to step forward - from Kaitaia to Bluff, they're restoring the environment, feeding and housing whānau, responding in crises, mentoring rangatahi, and proving that leadership begins at the local level.
"As a proud Kiwi-born and bred business, it's an immense honour for Tower to help shine a light on the people throughout New Zealand who are shaping a better future for all of us. To the 100 local hero medallists - congratulations, this recognition is a true reflection of the impact you've had on Aotearoa. On behalf of Team Tower, thank you, keep pushing New Zealand forward," says Tower CEO Paul Johnston.
For more information, please see here.