Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
Wednesday 30 November 2022
All aboard as new park opens for summer Representatives from the Nelson City Council, led by Mayor Nick Smith, get a first hand taste of the upgraded model rail system at the opening of Te Pā Harakeke on the former site of Moddlers Pond. Photo: Tim Cuff. Story page 5.
Yusuf named as local hero SARA HOLLYMAN Yusuf Corten knows what it’s like to go to sleep hungry and never wants anyone else to feel that. From his central Nelson kebab store he offers free meals to anyone who needs them, and it is this generosity that has seen him named as a local hero medalist for the 2023 Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year. Yusuf lost his wife in January last
year after a battle with cancer and faced losing his business as he came to terms with his new life as a single father of three. He continued to offer free meals despite his plight, and the community rallied around him. After injuring his hand a little over a month ago, he was forced to temporarily close his store. Popping in to check on things on 5 November, his birthday, a courier happened to arrive at the
same time. “I thought ‘what’s this, a birthday present?’ and opened it up, Yusuf says. It was a medal and award acknowledging him a local hero. “This present is much better than a million dollars, it’s a feeling present, it’s awesome,” Yusuf says. The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office says it is with great pride they present the 100 Kiwibank Local Hero Medallists
around the country to a group of exceptional and diverse Kiwis, each taking extraordinary action to better our communities and our nation. Individually, they are everyday people having meaningful impact in their respective communities. Collectively, these outstanding individuals remind us of the true spirit of New Zealand and reflect the mana of this prestigious award.
“If there has ever been a time to celebrate those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the well-being of our country, it’s now,” says Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank chief executive. “It is a real privilege to honour the creative, selfless and visionary people that help make us proud to call Aotearoa home.” Yusuf says he will keep the award
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