Whakatāne’s Rosemary Sloman is one of eight Bay of Plenty “medallists” in the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year awards.

Nationally, the New Zealander of the Year Awards Office has announced 100 local hero medallists this week – extraordinary Kiwis making a positive difference in their respective communities.

Ms Sloman, who this year received a Kings Service Medal for services to the community, has devoted over four decades to voluntary service in the Bay of Plenty, with her extensive community work spanning roles with the American Field Service, Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty, and the Kawerau Rotary Youth Trust.

She has also been pivotal in organising fundraising events such as Sunshine and a Plate, Frocks on Bikes, and The Blokes’ Shed Tour, which have raised significant support for local initiatives.

After a challenging health crisis in 2008, Ms Sloman set up the Eastern Bay Breast Cancer Support Network, providing practical support and access to professional services in rural areas of the region. She continues to volunteer for the Cancer Charity, Look Good Feel Better.
In addition to event coordination, she has served as a Justice of the Peace since 2019, providing vital legal assistance within the community.

She has contributed her leadership to governance roles, including as executive officer of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, and as a trustee of Virtual Eastern Bay Villages. Currently, she is a member of the Whakaari Memorial Steering Committee, working to raise sufficient funds to honour not only the victims of the 2019 disaster, but also the first responders and the deeply affected Whakatāne community, with a fitting place of reflection and remembrance.

Ms Sloman is now in the running for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau. Semi-finalists for this award and six other award categories will be announced on December 11. Finalists will be revealed in February, with the winners celebrated at an awards gala in March.