Meet your 2025 Finalists

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

Kiwibank

2025

Finalists

Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

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.

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM (Ngāti Porou) is a pioneering force in women’s health in Aotearoa. As the founder and director of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa), she has driven critical advancements in cervical cancer screening, maternal health, and indigenous health equity. Over the past year, her advocacy led to New Zealand’s historic shift to HPV self-testing as the primary method for cervical screening – making Aotearoa the first high-income country to do so. Working closely with kaumātua, Beverley is a true champion for many communities – building strong relationships, ensuring research is relevant and innovative, with all her work grounded in community engagement.

Her ability to disseminate important information about women’s health more broadly ensures the profile of women’s health in Aotearoa is elevated, and she regularly contributes expert commentary to media, providing evidence, ideas, and opportunities for system transformation. Her research-informed policies and alliances continue to shape healthcare systems, tackle inequities and reduce preventable harm for wāhine Māori and all women across the motu.

Sarah Hirini ONZM

Manawatū-Whanganui

Renowned rugby union player Sarah Hirini ONZM (Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa) is a true inspiration in the world of rugby. In 2024 – after making an incredible comeback from injury – she played a pivotal role in securing gold for New Zealand at the Paris Olympics. Even before the Olympics, the current New Zealand Sevens captain already has an impressive list of accolades to her name – including Sevens World Champion in 2013 and 2018, three-time Olympic medallist (Gold Paris 2024, Gold Tokyo 2020, Silver Rio 2016) Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medallist and seven-time World Series winner.

Hirini’s game is characterised by her tireless work-ethic and dogged defence, and in 2019 she became the first female player to bring up 200 matches on the World Series. Beyond her athletic prowess, Sarah is an advocate for mental health, using her platform to promote wellbeing in sports. Off the field, she’s involved in initiatives and has founded the Hirini Rugby Academy that encourage young girls to participate in rugby, showcasing her commitment to the sport’s growth and inclusivity. With her impressive achievements and positive influence, Sarah is a national treasure.

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?

Conditions of Entry

Previous

winners

Dr Jim Salinger

2024

Professor Rangi Mātāmua

2023

Tā Tipene O′Regan

2022

Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM

2021

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand

2020

Mike King

2019

Kristine Bartlett

2018

Taika Waititi

2017

Richie McCaw

2016

Sir Stephen Tindall

2015

Dr Lance O′Sullivan

2014

Dame Anne Salmond

2013

Sir Richard Taylor

2012

Sir Paul Callaghan

2011

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