Westfield Local Heroes
Westfield Local Heroes is a recognition, awards and partnerships program that shines the spotlight on individuals in Australia and New Zealand who make a positive impact to their local community or environment.
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted by their communities. Each year, one Local Hero per Westfield destination receives a $20,000 grant and two finalists for each destination receive a $5,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent.
Read more about Westfield Local Heroes here.
Voting is now open. Click on the banner above to discover this year’s finalists and vote before 20 September.
Alumni 2018-2025
Since 2018, Westfield has contributed more than $9.8 million* to 991 community organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
We continue to partner with and support many of our heroes and finalists to strengthen their connections and impact within local communities. We value all of our previous heroes, finalists and nominees. Select from the dropdown menu at the bottom of this page to read about all alumni since 2018.
2025 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Riccarton Local Hero, René Heyde
Cholmondeley Children’s Centre
In 2024, at the age of 70, former Commonwealth bronze medallist René cycled 3,800 kilometres from Perth to Melbourne to raise money for Cholmondeley Children’s Centre in Governors Bay. The centre offers around-the-clock respite care for tamariki aged 5 to 12.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Ngarie Worsley
Foster Hope Charitable Trust
Volunteering with Foster Hope, Ngarie assembles free backpacks of essentials for children entering care, restoring dignity and self-esteem to young lives. Every Christmas, she transforms her home into a festive grotto filled with gifts for children in need. A community connector and tireless advocate, she also partners with organisations to ensure every child feels valued and supported.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Donald Benn
Neighbourhood Trust
Don uplifts his Mairehau community through mentoring dads, distributing food, running gardening workshops, and supporting seniors. His hands-on initiatives with the Neighbourhood Trust, from kai support for those in hardship to social support for the over-60s, help create lasting, positive transformation for individuals and their whānau.
2024 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Riccarton Local Hero, Sue Bagshaw
The Youth Hub Trust
Sue Bagshaw has dedicated her life to positive youth development and improving health outcomes for young people. At 74, she’s still forging new ways to help rangatahi (youth) by working to build New Zealand’s first Youth Hub, complete with supported housing facilities in central Christchurch.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Paige Sullivan
Te Tahi Youth
Paige Sullivan ensures rangatahi (youth) have access to essential services and support as a trustee of Te Tahi Youth. Paige’s goal is for every young person to feel seen, heard and respected so they can lead hopeful, valued lives.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Erin Manning
Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury Trust
Erin Manning supports parents facing mental health challenges related to pregnancy and childbirth as the operations coordinator at Perinatal Wellbeing Canterbury Trust. After experiencing her own challenges, Erin became dedicated to helping others through support groups and community education. Around 400 people in Canterbury benefit from her work annually.
2023 Hero and Finalists
Westfield Riccarton Local Hero, Caitlin Marett
Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Zealand Trust
Generous Caitlin Marett thrives on bringing laughter and unforgettable memories to Christchurch children and teens living with a critical illness. Caitlin volunteers with Make-A-Wish Foundation, where she visits young recipients in their homes to help them decide on a wish.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Kotte Aguilar
Being - Yoga and wellness
Kotte Aguilar is helping local youth gain confidence and independence and inner trust teaching them tools they can use at any given time. Kotte is the founder of Being – Yoga and Wellness. One of Kotte’s standout projects is her traumainformed classes for youth. Many participants are survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence or bullying.
Westfield Riccarton Finalist, Louisa Stewart
Clothed in Love
Clothed in Love co-founder Louisa Stewart is an innovative community connector, bringing families all over Christchurch together to provide clothing packs to more than 4,000 Christchurch children. Louisa is proud that our packs enhance children’s self-esteem while providing a sense of belonging, warmth, and overall wellbeing to her community
View all Westfield heroes, finalists and nominees since 2018
Select a year to download past Westfield Local Heroes information.