New Zealander of the Year

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

Kiwibank

2025

Finalists

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:

    • 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?

Conditions of Entry

2025

Semi Finalists

Annah Stretton

Waikato

Annah Stretton, a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, has spent the past 33 years building a formidable fashion empire, the Stretton Group, while concurrently championing for the overlooked and underprivileged. Recently, her RAW Beauty photographic exhibition gained international recognition, leading her to a plenary presentation at the European Prison Education Association Conference in Macedonia. This achievement, coupled with her return to university in her late 50s to secure three master’s degrees, underlines her relentless commitment to learning, growth, and impact.

Over the years, Annah’s work transcends the fashion industry, significantly influencing the lives of many, particularly incarcerated wāhine. Through her charity RAW and her chairing of the Waikato Women’s Refuge, she has created innovative models and pathways for social reintegration. Additionally, her leadership with Hopefish and support for charities like True Colours demonstrate her unwavering dedication to service, championing initiatives that foster dignity, potential, and lasting change.

Dame Julie Chapman DNZM

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dame Julie Chapman DNZM is a beacon of hope in Aotearoa, tirelessly driving two nationally significant charities—KidsCan and Pet Refuge—that offer both hope and practical support to vulnerable children and families. Over the past year, her unwavering dedication was recognised with an appointment as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (New Year Honours 2025) for her exceptional services to children and the community. This honour reflects her visionary leadership, integrity, and her determination to turn compassion into concrete action.

From founding KidsCan in her garage in 2005 to its current standing as a vital support network for over 60,000 children across 1,100+ schools, Dame Julie’s impact is profound. Establishing Pet Refuge, New Zealand’s first purpose-built shelter for pets involved in domestic violence situations, she has provided life-saving pathways for families in crisis. As she plans for growth and sustainability, Dame Julie continues to inspire all New Zealanders with her transformative work.

Dame Catriona Williams

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Dame Catriona Williams, founder of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, has been a beacon of hope and transformation for individuals living with spinal cord injuries across New Zealand. Motivated by her personal experience, Catriona established CatWalk, an organisation that has become nationally recognised for providing practical support, advocacy, and resources, enabling those affected to regain independence, confidence, and dignity. Over the past year, Catriona has tirelessly expanded CatWalk’s services, including mobility equipment provision, mentoring, social connection programmes, and rehabilitation support.

Catriona’s dedication extends far beyond immediate relief, fostering long-term empowerment and quality of life for those affected by spinal injuries. Her compassionate leadership has played a pivotal role in influencing policy, improving accessibility, and creating a more inclusive society for all New Zealanders. Catriona’s profound commitment to her kaupapa and her vision for a more inclusive future continues to inspire her community and transform lives.

Cassandra Treadwell

Otago Ōtākou

Cassandra Treadwell, a champion of human rights, is the founding CEO of So They Can, an international charity that facilitates access to quality education in Kenya and Tanzania. Launched in 2009, So They Can has grown under Cassandra’s leadership, supporting 50,000 children living in poverty across 52 partner government schools. Cassandra, a Wellington native, boasts a strong background in law, with degrees from the University of Canterbury and King’s College London, and a career as Medico-Legal Counsel at Capital & Coast Health in New Zealand.

Persistently advocating for sustainable change, Cassandra promotes education as a tool for poverty eradication and community empowerment. Rejecting traditional charity models, her focus on locally-driven partnerships has transformed So They Can into a global force, working directly with governments, teachers, and communities to deliver long-term, systemic change. Her innovative approach has cemented her status as a thought leader in the humanitarian sector.

Sonja Cooper

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Sonja Cooper, the principal and founder of Cooper Legal, has forged a path of justice for survivors of abuse in state care, consistently holding the Crown to account over the years. Sonja’s relentless pursuit for justice has amplified in the last year, with her instrumental involvement in the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Her relentless advocacy resulted in the Crown recognising for the first time in July 2024 that torture had occurred in state care, leading to an official apology and the announcement of an expanded redress scheme in Budget 2025.

Sonja’s work, though often met with resistance and carried out at low pay rates, has reshaped New Zealand’s understanding of itself as a nation. Her tireless efforts have illuminated the systemic abuse suffered by mostly Māori, mostly poor children, in state care, and its enduring effects on their adult lives. Sonja’s work continues to be crucial in the ongoing fight for justice and for a more fair and trauma-informed response to survivors.

Professor Parry Guilford

Canterbury Waitaha

Professor Parry Guilford, a groundbreaking figure in cancer genetics, is the director of the Centre for Translational Cancer Research at the University of Otago. His most remarkable achievement in the past year includes earning the 2023 Prime Minister’s Science Prize for his discovery of the CDH1 gene mutation causing Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC). This discovery, made in partnership with the McLeod whānau and clinicians from Tauranga Hospital, led to a life-saving genetic test, transforming the prognosis for HDGC-affected families globally.

Beyond his work on HDGC, Professor Guilford’s ongoing commitment to cutting-edge cancer research is evident in his co-founding of Pacific Edge Ltd and development of Cxbladder, a non-invasive bladder cancer test. Currently, he is pioneering a new method for early colorectal cancer detection using circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). His contributions to science have been recognised widely, with awards including the University of Otago Distinguished Research Medal and the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Sir Charles Hercus Medal.

Sir Richard Faull

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Lewis Maxwell Faull (KNZM, ONZM, MBChB, PhD, DSc, FRSNZ) is a globally recognised academic, neuroscientist, and a devoted servant to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. A man of Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Rāhiri descent, Sir Richard has dedicated over four decades to groundbreaking brain research, nurturing the growth of neuroscience in Aotearoa, and providing unyielding support for families affected by neurological diseases. His leadership and commitment have seen the establishment of the Centre for Brain Research (CBR) – Te Huinga Hinengaro, a world-class facility grounded in service to the people.

Born in Taranaki in 1945, Sir Richard has consistently demonstrated extraordinary dedication to his work, from humble beginnings to becoming a pioneer in the field of neuroscience. His ethos of cultural safety and inclusion has transformed the landscape of health research in Aotearoa, particularly through his work in dementia research among Māori communities. His discoveries and collaborations have advanced our understanding of brain diseases, paving the way for earlier diagnoses and more effective therapies.

Tā Mason Durie

Manawatū-Whanganui

Emeritus Professor Tā Mason Durie, ONZ, KNZM, FRSNZ FRANZCP, is a revered figure in the realm of Māori health, education, and social development throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. Over the past year, he has been instrumental in guiding national conversations around equity, Treaty partnership, and the integration of Māori knowledge into mainstream practice. His crowning achievement in the past twelve months is the launch of Whānau Ora Whakaoranga 2024–2064, a research initiative charting the future of Māori health, following the successful completion of the Whānau Ora Whakaoranga 1984-2024.

Tā Mason’s innovative frameworks, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā and Whānau Ora, have fundamentally transformed service delivery, ensuring Māori communities are empowered and heard. His upcoming book, Whiti Ora, continues his legacy of influential works, which are widely recognised as seminal references in Indigenous health. His unwavering dedication to Māori wellbeing, combined with his visionary leadership, continues to inspire and shape lasting change.

Grant Dalton

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

A world-renowned yachtsman, leader, and visionary, Grant Dalton has been the driving force behind New Zealand’s global sailing dominance for over four decades. Dalton’s recent achievements include the revitalisation of Team New Zealand following its 2003 America’s Cup loss, reclaiming the Cup in 2017, and successfully defending it in 2021. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his formidable leadership as CEO, has propelled the team to success and set the stage for the 2024 challenge.

Dalton’s impact stretches beyond sailing; he has generated significant economic value for New Zealand through sponsorship, international investment, and job creation. Championing inclusivity, he has spearheaded youth and women’s America’s Cup events, while also honouring Māori culture by naming all Team New Zealand boats in te reo Māori. Moreover, his leadership in times of scrutiny has demonstrated unwavering integrity and transparency, reinforcing his resonance with the Kiwi spirit.

Alan and Hazel Kerr

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dr Alan Kerr and Hazel Kerr are a remarkable Auckland couple who, in their retirement, have dedicated the last two decades to saving the lives of nearly 1,000 Palestinian children. Alan, the former head of cardiothoracic surgery at Greenlane Hospital, is revered as “the father of paediatric cardiac surgery” in both New Zealand and Palestine. Hazel, with her background as a teacher, has added a unique dimension to their humanitarian endeavour, providing emotional healing to communities entrenched in conflict.

Despite their age, the Kerrs continue to make an impact on New Zealand soil. They regularly attend community screenings of “The Doctor’s Wife,” a documentary about their work, sharing the inspiring stories of the Palestinian children they have aided. Their unwavering commitment to advocacy and education, along with their legacy of medical missions, are a testament to their profound dedication to their cause.

Sir Roger Hall

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Sir Roger Hall, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated playwrights, continues to leave an indelible mark on the nation’s performing arts sector with his insightful social commentary and endearing wit. Born in Essex, England, in 1939, Sir Roger emigrated to New Zealand in 1958, where he launched his prolific career in theatre, television, and film. His debut stage play, Glide Time (1976), was a resounding success, later adapted into the popular TV series Gliding On, which satirised civil service life years before The Office became a worldwide phenomenon.

Over the years, Sir Roger has penned more than 40 plays, including Middle-Age Spread, Conjugal Rites, and End of Summer Time, infusing comedy with pathos to depict the intricacies of middle-class New Zealand life. Now 86, he continues to write with unwavering commitment while remaining instrumental in New Zealand’s cultural landscape. His lifelong dedication to the arts and enduring influence on theatre and television speak to his remarkable legacy.

Sir Peter Gluckman

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

In the past year, Sir Peter Gluckman has remained a pivotal figure in shaping New Zealand’s scientific and policy landscape. As Chair of the Science System Advisory Group in 2024, he presented a comprehensive report titled ‘An Architecture for the Future’, designed to boost the effectiveness and sustainability of the nation’s science system. His strategic recommendations aimed to harmonise research efforts with national priorities and global challenges. Moreover, Sir Peter demonstrated his commitment to international science diplomacy as President of the International Science Council, delivering a keynote address at a United Nations event.

Sir Peter’s legacy extends well beyond these recent achievements. As the guiding force behind Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, he continues to influence policy-making, focusing on pressing societal challenges such as climate change, health, and technology. His work adeptly bridges the divide between scientific research and public policy, ensuring that evidence-based decisions are at the heart of shaping New Zealand’s future.

Rod Drury

Otago Ōtākou

Rod Drury is a luminary entrepreneur whose visionary leadership has indelibly shaped Aotearoa New Zealand’s technology landscape and resonated on a global scale. Over the past year, Drury has continued to champion innovation, launching Radar Ventures, a deep-tech investment fund specialising in biotechnology, defence, and food science. This move reaffirms his commitment to bolstering New Zealand’s standing in groundbreaking industries. Simultaneously, he has actively mentored emerging tech leaders and advocated for sector reforms, emphasising the need for a national vision and sustainable progress.

Drury’s enduring legacy extends far beyond his role as the founder of Xero, a small startup transformed into a leading global small business accounting platform. His accolades, including EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Leader of the Year, attest to his influence. However, it is his philanthropy and mentorship, nurturing the next generation of Kiwi innovators, that truly exemplifies his impact.

Rob McCallum

International Te ao

Rob McCallum, fondly known as ‘the Hillary of the Deep’, has made significant strides in the field of deep ocean exploration and philanthropic ocean science over the past 25 years. A globally respected leader, Rob is renowned for his Kiwi tenacity, integrity, innovation, and kindness. In an unparalleled feat, he has reached the deepest part of the world’s ocean, the Challenger Deep, and has led world-record descents to the deepest points of all five oceans. His leadership in exploring the Hadal Zone, the least known part of the planet, has resulted in major advances in various scientific and engineering domains, contributing to open access knowledge for humankind.

Continuing his legacy, Rob’s expeditions have mapped over 4 million square kilometres of ocean, contributing significantly to the International Hydrographic Organization’s Seabed 2030 project. His discovery of the deepest fish, jellyfish, octopus and shrimp ever recorded, and the collection of over 100,000 samples, heralds a new era in oceanic exploration. Rob’s commitment to diversity is demonstrated by the inclusion of the first woman, Pacific Islander, Asian, and African-American woman in his expeditions. As the Vice-Chair of the Nekton Foundation and the Founder of EYOS Expeditions, Rob continues to lead groundbreaking marine operations, contributing to the discovery of new ecosystems and the protection of vast oceanic areas.

Previous

winners

2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Finalist Professor Bev Lawton ONZM

Professor Bev Lawton ONZM

2025

Dr Jim Salinger, 2024 New Zealander of the Year

Dr Jim Salinger CRSNZ

2024

Professor Rangi Mātāmua, 2023 New Zealander of the Year

Professor Rangi Mātāmua ONZM

2023

Tā Tipene O′Regan, 2022 New Zealander of the Year

Tā Tipene O′Regan

2022

Dr Siouxsie Wiles MNZM

2021

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand

2020

Mike King

2019

Kristine Bartlett CNZM

2018

Taika Waititi, 2017 New Zealander of the Year

Taika Waititi ONZM

2017

Richie McCaw, 2016 New Zealander of the Year

Richie McCaw ONZ

2016

Sir Stephen Tindall GNZM

Sir Stephen Tindall GNZM

2015

Dr Lance O′Sullivan

2014

Dame Anne Salmond ONZ DBE FRSNZ

2013

Sir Richard Taylor KNZM

2012

Sir Paul Callaghan GNZM FRS FRSNZ

2011

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