The Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our local east Auckland community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero Award.
If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible to chrish@times.co.nz.
Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.
The award is sponsored by New World Howick. Recipients will receive a $50 New World gift card and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website.
The latest recipient is Dale Smith. He’s nominated by Abbey Schrafft, who writes: “I am writing to nominate Dale Smith for the Community Hero Award in recognition of his outstanding dedication and contribution to the Howick Hornets.
“Dale is the Under-8s coach, yet remarkably, he does not have a child on the team. His involvement comes purely from passion, commitment, and care for the kids and our community.
“Dale consistently goes above and beyond. He not only coaches with energy and encouragement, earning the genuine admiration and love of the children, but he also plays a vital role behind the scenes.
“From organising prize-givings to co-ordinating event days, Dale invests countless hours ensuring these occasions are memorable, fun, and uplifting for everyone involved.
“His reliability, positivity, and willingness to put his hand up for any task have made him an invaluable part of the club.
“Dale exemplifies what it means to be a community hero: selfless, dedicated, and deeply invested in creating opportunities and joy for others.
“We feel incredibly fortunate to have someone of his character and calibre guiding our young players, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award.”
