The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award - Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa honours the achievements and contributions of an inspirational Kiwi who has made a big, positive contribution to our country this year. Their pursuit of excellence can be in any area; science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, te Ao Māori, sport, education, and health. Their achievements have positive effects on how we feel about our nation and ourselves.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: 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)
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.
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
Previous New Zealander of the Year
