Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year

Winners 2019

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

The most prestigious national award honouring people for their contribution to the wellbeing of our country. Proven, inspirational and passionate, these are the people that New Zealand is proud to call their own.

Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Dr Siouxsie Wiles (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) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).

Mike King

winner

Forthright and passionate, mental health advocate Mike King shines much-needed light on the issues of depression, alcohol and drug abuse and suicide in New Zealand.

By drawing on his personal experiences, Mike has shown leadership, courage and empathy to vulnerable people – particularly Māori, children and young people – throughout the country.