Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull (Te Āti Awa) is one of Aotearoa’s most esteemed scientists and a global leader in neuroscience. Over four decades, his groundbreaking research has reshaped our understanding of the human brain – proving that it can regenerate new cells and repair itself – a discovery that revolutionised modern medicine. As founder of the Centre for Brain Research – Te Huinga Hinengaro, he has built a world-class institution grounded in service to whānau, uniting scientists, doctors and communities to advance brain research for all New Zealanders.

With great foresight, Sir Richard established the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank, one of the world’s leading brain tissue collections, which has underpinned major advances in Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia research. His influence extends beyond the laboratory. His passion is taking science to the people – in schools, rural communities, and engaging with those affected by neurological disease. Notably, Sir Richard is a champion of Māori engagement in health research, visiting marae across Aotearoa to kōrero about brain disease.

A visionary teacher, mentor, and advocate, Sir Richard Faull’s lifelong work continues to transform brain science and the wellbeing of future generations. “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.”

Dr Alan Kerr and Hazel Kerr have turned what could have been a quiet retirement into two decades of extraordinary service. Over 40 volunteer medical missions to Gaza and the West Bank, they have saved the lives of nearly 1,000 Palestinian children and helped build sustainable paediatric cardiac care in one of the world’s most fragile regions. Alan, the former head of cardiothoracic surgery at Greenlane Hospital, is regarded as the father of paediatric cardiac surgery in both New Zealand and Palestine, while Hazel, a teacher by background, brought healing of a different kind through education, care, and human connection.

Their legacy reaches far beyond medicine. They have trained local surgeons, built trust across cultures, and redefined what service in retirement can look like. Now in their 90s, Alan and Hazel continue to advocate for Palestinian children, quietly sharing their story through The Doctor’s Wife documentary and community screenings across Aotearoa.

Sir Roger Hall is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most celebrated playwrights, renowned for his sharp wit, social insight, and enduring contribution to theatre and screen. Born in Essex, England, in 1939 and emigrating to New Zealand in 1958, Sir Roger began a prolific career spanning theatre, television, and film. His breakout play Glide Time (1976) – later adapted into the hit TV series Gliding On – captured the humour and humanity of everyday working life, long before workplace satire became mainstream.

Across more than 40 plays, including Middle-Age Spread, Conjugal Rites, and End of Summer Time, Sir Roger has used comedy to explore the quirks and questions of middle-class New Zealand. His writing has shaped the national stage, reflecting who we are with warmth and honesty. Recognised with the 2015 Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement and a knighthood in 2019, Sir Roger remains a hugely influential voice in New Zealand’s cultural life.

Over the past year, Sir Peter Gluckman – one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most distinguished scientists and policy leaders – continued to shape our national direction through bold, forward-looking leadership. In 2024/25, he chaired both the Science System Advisory Group, delivering An Architecture for the Future – a landmark report charting a new path for New Zealand’s science system and the review of the New Zealand University System. His recommendations aim to strengthen research impact, foster innovation, and ensure science remains central to tackling both national priorities and global challenges.

At the same time, Sir Peter advances international cooperation as President of the International Science Council building a needed bridge between the multilateral system and the science community. He has promoted international science cooperation, and trust in science and led development of a science academy for the island states of the Pacific. He has developed Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures as New Zealand’s non-partisan thinktank focused on our long-term wellbeing, guiding evidence-based policy on issues including social cohesion, living with technology, child and youth wellbeing. Building on a lifetime of service to science, his work this year reaffirms his global leadership and his commitment to using knowledge to shape a better future for Aotearoa.