Kiwi icon heads on epic road trip to celebrate our heroes
07/09/2011
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.
Raymond's itinerary
Bluff
Friday 9th September, 8-10am
Gore Street outside the Kiwibank
Dunedin
Monday 12th September, 11.30-1.30pm
Moray Place by the PostShop
Queenstown
Wednesday 14th September, 12-1pm
Queenstown waterfront by town centre
Christchurch
Friday 16th September, 11.30-1.30pm
Cranmer Square
Greymouth
Monday 19th September, 12-1pm
Kiwibank at 36 Tainui Street
Blenheim
Saturday 24th September, 11.30-1.30pm
Kiwibank on Scott Street
Wellington
Sunday 25th September, 11.30-1.30pm
Oriental Bay
Napier
Thursday 29th September, 11.30-1.30pm
Marine Parade by Sunken Garden
Tauranga
Sunday 2nd October, 11.30-1.30pm
The Strand
Hamilton
Saturday 8th October, 11.30-1.30pm
Te Rapa PostShop, Base Shopping Centre
South Auckland
Saturday 15th October, 11.30-1.30pm
Manukau City Mall
Kaitaia
Sunday 23rd October, 11.30-1.30pm
South Road
For more information please contact:
Kim Watson
Brand Manager, Kiwibank
Phone: 04 460 9123 or 021 235 7305
Emma McDonald
National Manager, New Zealander of the Year Awards
Phone: 09 377 1794 or 021 643 475