Thousands in Rewards as Work Begins to Find Kiwi Battler

The search is on to find the unsung heroes of the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand. Today, a foundation, established by high-profile economist Gareth Morgan and his wife, Joanne, launched a campaign to find and recognise hard-working people - and give away more than $150,000.

The campaign is being run with the police and locally with the Bay of Plenty Times. The foundation was formed to reduce the wealth disparities between people around the world - but Mr Morgan says it is also important to recognise the work of individuals in New Zealand. "We want to celebrate and reward Kiwis who go the extra mile, overcome obstacles and achieve results - not for themselves but for their communities."

The Morgan Foundation will donate $165,000 between 13 regional winners, an ultimate national winner and their chosen charities. Each regional winner receives $1000, and $10,000 will be donated to their chosen charity. One regional winner will become the National Kiwi Battler and receive another $2000 for themselves and $20,000 for their charity.

Anyone in New Zealand is eligible to be recognised as a Kiwi Battler - they just have to be nominated. In the Bay of Plenty, readers are encouraged to nominate anyone they like, including locals who have featured this year as a Bay of Plenty Times Community Gem. Bay of Plenty Times editor Scott Inglis said the paper was proud to be part of the campaign.

Nominations open today and close in two weeks and can be made on www.kiwibattler.com. Advertisement Regional panels will shortlist five Kiwi Battlers for 13 regions, including the Bay of Plenty. A public vote will decide the winning Kiwi Battler for each region, and a national panel will decide the ultimate winner.

KEY DATES

Nominations open: July 14

Nominations close: July 27

Regional shortlists announced: August 18

Voting opens: August 18

Voting closes: September 1

Winners announced and prizes awarded in September.