Everyday people doing exceptional things were the toast of the town last night as Bay of Plenty honoured its very own local heroes.

Part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2017, the 15 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui.

The Kiwibank Local Hero Award winners for Bay of Plenty are Bill Kerrison, Sally Durham, Chris Duggan, Kate Meads, Sheila Ewart, Steve Jeffares, Campbell Hill, David Garland, Michael Brown, Yvette Lamare, Steve Ellingford, Janice Tetley-Jones, Anna Lea Johnson, David Hiika Hiakita and Pete Atkinson.

Tauranga City Council Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout was on hand to present the medals. He congratulated the recipients on their awards and said it was vital the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they have made.

'Many of these medal winners are unsung heroes whose selflessness has had a profound effect on the lives of so many in the community.

'Those acts of charity, optimism and commitment are the glue that hold a community together, and as a community we must stand alongside one another and give thanks for their efforts.”

The Kiwibank Local Hero awards are now New Zealand's premier community award and give thanks to those providing a positive contribution to their region, town, suburb or community.

Nearly 350 medals will be presented nationwide during November and December.

Kiwibank CEO Paul Brock says Kiwibank is proud to be supporting local communities celebrate their outstanding citizens over the past eight years.

'New Zealand has a long standing tradition of community service. It's therefore equally important we have a tradition, like the Local Heroes Awards, where we can give our thanks to those who have improved the lives of others in their communities.”

The 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards are presented in six award categories. The overall winner for each category will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in February 2017.

In December, the judging panel - comprising representatives of all the awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts - will announce the 10 semi-finalists for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and supporting categories.

The categories are:

• The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year

• The Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year

• The University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year

• The Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year

• The Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year

• The Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year