Western Bay of Plenty local heroes have been recognised with specially made medals to officially recognise their achievements.

The heroes were presented the medals at the ceremony on Friday night at Trinity Wharf, as part of the 2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards

Greerton's David Benton is one of the heroes being honoured for his services in providing outpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment programmes.

Hinerua Gray has been influential in establishing the Te Tomika Trust and Shirley Sparks is the driving force behind setting up Te Puna Quarry Park.

Robert McGowan JP is one of the foremost authorities on rongoa Maori (traditional Maori medicine) in New Zealand.

Susan Tukaki 'Nan' as she is affectionately known by to most of the Katikati community is the definition of selfless.

Te Puna's Sue Mackey has dedicated her life to the rescue of animals. She is known for her huge heart and overflowing house full of animals.

Sarah Martin is the director of Urban Dance New Zealand and has helped to raise the profile of hip hop in Tauranga and in New Zealand.

Katerina Clark is the creator of Tauranga Pryde, a group set up to support LGBT youth in the area.