Dame Julie Chapman
New Zealander of the Year
Finalist
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Dame Julie Chapman
Dame Julie Chapman, a leading force in Aotearoa New Zealand’s charitable sector, has had an impactful year driving KidsCan and Pet Refuge, both nationally significant charities that offer hope and practical support. Her personal commitment to addressing two of New Zealand’s biggest social issues – child poverty and family violence – is evident in her choice to invest part of her inheritance into Pet Refuge, New Zealand’s first purpose-built facility which provides temporary shelter for pets affected by family violence. Recently recognised as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Dame Julie’s dedication, and ability to transform compassion into concrete action continue to inspire.
Over the years, Dame Julie has reshaped conversations about social issues, creating scalable solutions that directly address community needs. KidsCan, born from her observation of children missing school due to a lack of essentials, now supports Tamariki across 1,500+ schools and early childhood centres. Meanwhile, Pet Refuge has provided over 69,000 nights of safety for 745 pets since opening in 2021, testament to the urgency of its kaupapa. Always looking to the future, Dame Julie continues to explore growth and expansion opportunities for both charities
Over the years, Dame Julie has reshaped conversations about social issues, creating scalable solutions that directly address community needs. KidsCan, born from her observation of children missing school due to a lack of essentials, now supports Tamariki across 1,500+ schools and early childhood centres. Meanwhile, Pet Refuge has provided over 69,000 nights of safety for 745 pets since opening in 2021, testament to the urgency of its kaupapa. Always looking to the future, Dame Julie continues to explore growth and expansion opportunities for both charities
Our most prestigious honour. This award celebrates a New Zealander whose leadership is driving progress for Aotearoa – someone whose actions earn the trust of communities and inspire a sense of possibility across the motu. Their impact is lasting and profound.
Nominees of this Award must:
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- 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 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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