Dr Lance O′Sullivan
New Zealander of the Year
2014
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Dr Lance O′Sullivan
Dr Lance O′Sullivan is passionate about improving healthcare. And, as a general practitioner in Kaitaia, his vision to eradicate all poverty-related illnesses has made basic healthcare much more accessible to Northland people.
He and his wife Tracy are the driving force behind low-cost health clinic Te Kohanga Whakaora (“The Nest of Wellness”) which offers flexible forms of payment and walk-in appointments.
Lance has also been instrumental in establishing several programmes aimed at improving child health. The Manawa Ora Korokoro Ora (Moko) programme, based at Kaitaia Primary School is Northland′s first full-time, school-based health clinic. It aims to give medical care to up to 2,000 children at 14 primary and intermediate schools.
His Kainga Ora (“Well Home”) initiative fixes run-down homes in the community advancing the concept that wellness begins in warm safe homes.
Lance′s unyielding compassion means that he and his supporters will not rest until every child in the community lives in a healthy environment.
The most prestigious national award in the Awards Programme, honouring people for their outstanding impact and contribution to our country. With unwavering dedication and a deep commitment, these remarkable people are those New Zealand is proud to call their own.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be an individual that – through their achievements – has made an outstanding contribution to our country.
- Have had significant impact on Aotearoa, particularly over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you, particularly over the past 12 months, to nominate them as the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
How does this person set a positive example for other fellow New Zealanders. - 10 points: COMMITMENT: Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond to show leadership, create change, and give back?
- 10 points: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & INNOVATIVE THINKING:
How thoughtful, creative, and unique is this person’s approach to their challenge, opportunity, or situation? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How is has this been measured? - 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
If known, how does this person plan to grow and/or adapt their work, contribution, or influence in the future? How would winning this award impact this person and the work that they are doing?
2025
Finalists
Previous
winners
