The awards were held in Wellington tonight, with some humble heroes attending.
Habitat forming organisms have been severely impacted.
As the floodwaters rose, no one warned them - despite authorities knowing there was a risk to life. Then their daughter was swept to her death.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said though it was a complex process, the progress was heartening.
"The poor little girl down the road didn't have to die."
"Our job now is to pick up these learnings and make sure we build a stronger system for the next cyclone."
The review found the Hawke's Bay region's Civil Defence and Emergency Management group was not prepared for the disaster.
Findings of an independent review, led by former police commissioner Mike Bush, were released today.
