Northland has many volunteers working in the health field and now their selfless efforts can be recognised.
Nominations are now open for the 2017 Minister of Health Volunteer Awards, with winners presented during National Volunteer Week from June 18-24.
"These awards help to recognise the thousands of unsung heroes who support New Zealand's health and disability services," Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said.
"Health volunteers make life better for New Zealanders in many ways, often without seeking any recognition."
Last year's award recipients ranged from helping people to navigate their way around hospitals and health services, to visiting isolated older people in their homes.
"If you know an individual or team of volunteers who deserve to be recognised, I encourage you to nominate them," he said.
Last year the overall winner of the Health Volunteer Awards was Sing Your Lungs Out, a choir for people with severe respiratory disease.
The choir meets weekly in the Wellington region and is a good example of health professionals combining their skills to deliver an innovative approach to improving people's quality of life.
Choir members have noticed significant benefits from singing including enhanced physical and mental wellbeing.
Nominations close on April 21 and for more information about nominations and the awards go to http://volunteerawards.health.govt.nz/.