Eastern Bay Celebrant & Community Figure Named Local Hero Medallist
- Kieran Watkins
- 1 hour ago
- 1 min read
Local celebrant and community figure Rosemary Sloman has been recognised among 100 Tower Local Hero Medallists for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau.
Earlier this year, the Awards Office called for nominations for local heroes before selecting 100 Kiwis to honour as medallists.
Earlier this year, Sloman was also awarded a King’s Service Medal for services to the community.
She says there must be “some little pixies working away in the community” putting her up for recognition.
“I was extremely, extremely humbled by the award.”
“I think a lot of what I do is often behind the scenes. In my work as a celebrant, particularly in the funeral space, when there’s been a tragic or sudden death, I put quite a bit of effort and energy into supporting families in that area because I understand how that is.”
“I see vulnerable people every day that just need a listening ear, a hand up and a way forward, really.”
Sloman says the announcement today also landed on National Celebrants’ Day.
“I do what I do because I love our community. I want our community to thrive.”
As a medallist, she is also in the running for the 2026 Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau, which will be announced in March.
