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Thank you for voting for your 2026 Westfield St Lukes Local Hero.
We are excited to announce the successful hero on 20 October 2026.
In 2026, the successful hero for each of our 42 Westfield destinations is awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist receives a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
2027 nominations open 20 October.
Meet our Westfield Local Hero finalists
Lana Petrovic
Mercy Hospice
Compassionate. Kind. Dedicated.
At Mercy Hospice, Lana Petrovic helps diverse communities navigate end-of-life care with dignity and confidence. Through trusted relationships, community wānanga and volunteer training, she helps to break down barriers to support and reaches more than 7,000 people each year.
If Lana is successful, the grant will expand the At Home Aged and Palliative Services programme, funding culturally responsive training resources, community workshops and digital tools for carers.
Samuel Bunkall
RPE
Passionate. Resilient. Inspiring.
For more than 15 years, Sam Bunkall has helped young people build knowledge around consent, respect and healthy relationships as an educator with Rape Prevention Education Whakatu Mauri Trust. Sam has delivered workshops to more than 1,000 students in the local area and takes his advocacy beyond the classroom through select expert advice to Parliament and media.
If Samuel is successful, the grant will fund digital learning resources on consent and respectful relationships, designed for Māori, Pacific, rural and isolated communities and people living with disabilities.
Susanne Ritzenhoff
Toi Ora Live Art Trust
Nuturing. Transformative. Principled.
As director Toi Ora Live Arts Trust, Susanne Ritzenhoff nurtures a welcoming space where people experiencing mental distress can enhance their wellbeing through creativity. Under her leadership, enrolment in the free creative programmes has doubled, with more than 500 artists now engaged in visual and performing arts and studio time.
If Susanne is successful, the grant will fund a new workshop programme for families supporting a loved one experiencing mental health challenges, covering tutor fees, materials, venue and administration.
If you need support, please phone Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Recognising all our 2026 nominees
View all of the Westfield St Lukes nominees and their organisations.