Henare O'Keefe of Hastings

Henare’s experience of growing up in a lower socio-economic household stirred in him a deep commitment to uplifting and inspiring his community. Henare seeks to reverse negative social statistics and is dedicated to combating family violence; mentoring youth; and assisting in the reintegration of prisoners.

He has visited hundreds of schools as an ambassador for Duffy Books in Homes and also set up the U-Turn Academy (now called Youth to Men), a successful fifteen-week intensive course for troubled youth, which featured in the Lost Boys documentary screened on TV3.

Henare has also worked against violence in the family and community through the New Zealand Police Youth Education Service (YES) to help parents keep their children safe. In 2008, he responded to violence against his own family by organising the Enough is Enough hikoi to galvanise community concern and action. Over three thousand people joined him on his march from Flaxmere to the centre of Hastings.

Henare, who is also a Justice of the Peace, was recognised in 2010, when he was awarded the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust Honoured Membership - only the second time in its 30 year history to be given to a non-member.

Recently Henare featured on a Maori Television programme (Te Tuatangata) which demonstrated a comprehensive summary of the contributions he has made and the challenges he has faced.
The Mayor of Hastings, Lawrence Yule says that “Henare’s mantra is what can I do to help others?; he gives from his heart and commits all his time and energy to helping others.”

National Local Hero 2011 - Billy Graham

Billy Graham’s Naenae Boxing Academy is dramatically transforming the lives of troubled young men in the Lower Hutt region by providing a place of encouragement, guidance and belonging. Billy, who funds the Academy himself, devotes his strengths and skills to provide a positive option for youth who are socially disadvantaged, involved in crime, or are from dysfunctional families.

As a troubled youth himself Billy was fortunate enough to cross paths with legendary boxing coach Dick Dunn who became his mentor and taught him discipline, life skills and the art of boxing. The Naenae Boxing Academy is the result of Billy’s goal to become a mentor himself and provide disadvantaged

youngsters with their second chance.

The Academy is not just about boxing however, less than ten per cent of the boys box competitively. But by being involved in the Academy, the boys are given a chance to take a new direction in life and are provided with a set of essential life skills that help them contribute positively to their community.

Local police credit Billy’s Academy with a sharp decrease in crime and graffiti. Since the programme launched, none of the boys attending have been involved in any crime related incident. The tagging has gone, the truants who used to pester people for cigarettes and money are gone, and elderly residents are no longer scared to go to the shopping centre. Parents and schools have confirmed significant changes in the lives and attitudes of Academy attendees.

For many of the Academy’s youth, Billy’s presence is the only positive male role model in their lives. The standards at the Academy include no alcohol, drugs, smoking, or swearing, no beanies, caps, hoods or patches. The boys must also welcome and respect everyone and regular attendance is compulsory.

The Academy’s youth are also involved in the Paint Naenae day, another of Billy’s initiatives. The young men and the wider community come together to repaint the town’s central shopping district each year, improving the retail image of Naenae at no cost to retailers.

Billy’s dedication to his role has involved considerable financial sacrifice. He moved his family from a comfortable home and suburb to live in the lower socio-economic area of Naenae where they transformed an old hall and kitchen into an immaculately kept boxing academy. Despite advice that a move to central Wellington would see considerable financial gain, Billy remains in Naenae where his Academy provides a much needed service to its youth and the community.

Sam has formalised this process (the AWHI model) and uses it with people from all different walks of life, often those for whom opportunities are scarce. Some of his most high profile work is with gangs; in particular with the Notorious Chapter of the Mongrel Mob. Gang leaders approached Sam, saying ‘We want to change but we don’t know how.” Sam worked with them to help members identify the type of life that they wanted to be living and the actions needed to make that happen. A 2006 60 Minutes programme reported than only two members of the 30-strong chapter had returned to prison since starting work with Sam nine years earlier.

Sam’s fellow members of the World Vision board (Sam was a member for 19 years) recount that, “He bought the experience of having lived alongside the poor, the hurting, the vulnerable… …His faith, grace, wisdom and commitment inspired us again and again. Sam’s question would always be ‘But what do the poor want?’ and ‘Where is their voice?”