About the Awards Programme
The New Zealander of the Year Awards, championed by Kiwibank, honour those who use their passion to make our country a better place. The awards recognise a diverse range of Kiwis making a difference. Whether they’re aged 15 or 100, they’re contributing to grassroots communities or putting New Zealand on the world stage, they inspire us all.
Any member of the public can nominate an individual or community organisation in the Awards programme. Nominations for the 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be made between July and September. Kiwibank Local Hero Medal recipients are notified in late October. The remaining categories are judged in November/December, with semi-finalists announced in December.
Nominations can be made in one or more of the six award categories:
- Each category will have one award winner selected from three finalists.
- All New Zealand citizens 15 years of age and over are eligible to be nominated in the Awards.
- The regional and national judging panel includes representatives comprising of the awards patron, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts.
- An official Gala Awards Presentation Dinner will be held in Auckland in February 2020 where nominees, semi-finalists & finalists will be formally recognised. Tickets and advance bookings for this public event will be available from late December.
Our media partner is TVNZ. Together with their support all New Zealanders have the opportunity to nominate someone in their local region.
The Patron's Message
When I look around our country I am impressed by the involvement and commitment many New Zealanders of all ages and backgrounds are making to the development of our nation. The nominations in all categories of the New Zealander of the Year Awards continue to highlight to me the importance of community and shows me that community spirit and national pride remain as strong binding forces that bring us together as New Zealanders.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards give us the opportunity to say thank you and give encouragement to those individuals and community groups, nominated or not, for their dedication and contributions to New Zealand.
Rt. Hon. James B Bolger, ONZ.
Patron New Zealander of the Year Awards
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Prizes
As principal sponsor and Champion of the New Zealander of the Year Awards, Kiwibank is pleased to provide each of the six award category winners with $5,000 and a unique bespoke trophy in acknowledgement of their achievement. The custom made glass sculptured trophies that each of the six category winners receive are made by glass artist, Katie Brown (www.katiebrownglass.co.nz).
As part of the Kiwibank Local Heroes Award, medals are awarded at presentations in regions across New Zealand. All other category nominees will receive a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of the contributions they are making in their local communities, regions and nationally.
