Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM
New Zealander of the Year
Finalist
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM
Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāti Porou) is a world champion kayaker, and New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian of all time. She has won nine Olympic medals – eight gold and one bronze – across four consecutive Olympic Games. Over the past year, Lisa has continued to dominate the global stage, winning gold at the 2023 Canoe Sprint World Championships and adding three golds to New Zealand’s medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics – the second Games she has achieved such a feat.
This year also saw Lisa become a best-selling author with her debut children’s book, Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion / Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka. Released in English and Māori language versions, the story is based on Lisa’s eight-year-old self and aims to inspire readers to overcome challenges. Known for being quietly humble yet furiously driven, Lisa’s discipline, resilience, and unparalleled commitment to her sport inspires people young and old across New Zealand and beyond – cementing her influence as a role model for perseverance, excellence and positive change in New Zealand’s sports community.
This year also saw Lisa become a best-selling author with her debut children’s book, Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion / Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka. Released in English and Māori language versions, the story is based on Lisa’s eight-year-old self and aims to inspire readers to overcome challenges. Known for being quietly humble yet furiously driven, Lisa’s discipline, resilience, and unparalleled commitment to her sport inspires people young and old across New Zealand and beyond – cementing her influence as a role model for perseverance, excellence and positive change in New Zealand’s sports community.
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
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