John Hartnell, a deserved finalist for the 2012 Kiwibank Local Heroes Award

Federated Farmers is full of praise for John Hartnell, who has been named a finalist in the 2012 New Zealander of the Year Kiwibank Local Heroes Award. Mr Hartnell, a former national board member, is ‘generalissimo' of the Farmy Army as well as the current Federated Farmers Bees chairperson.

"We are incredibly proud of John and every volunteer who gave so much time, money and support to that Federated Farmers movement which became the Farmy Army," says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

"The Farmy Army, together with the Student Volunteer Army, delivered so much more than helping Cantabrians put Christchurch back together. It helped to heal whole communities by reaffirming a strong sense of volunteerism Kiwis have.

“John’s nomination recognises every local hero who drove a digger or held a shovel. Be it farmers, Young Farmers, Rural Women and rural businesses. A number are still helping Christchurch today.

“The end of large-scale liquefaction didn’t end Farmy Army operations but changed it. Our catering head, Helen Heddell, orchestrated a major food drop in August and an even larger one in mid-December thanks to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal Trust.

”We mustn’t forget that Federated Farmers’ Adverse Events Trust has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Christchurch as well. John was instrumental in helping Trustees focus upon less prominent but deserving groups.

“While the December quake struck at the busiest time for farmers, John was again on the phone getting support for the SVA’s post-Christmas operation. I know that included late into Christmas Eve.

"Every single member of the Farmy Army was and remains a local hero. John’s recognition in effect recognises them all," Mr Wills concluded.

The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards gala dinner will be held in Auckland on 16 February 2012.