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Meet your 2025 Semi-Finalists

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

Kiwibank

2025

Semi-Finalists

Chris Grinter MNZM

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

As the retiring Principal of Rotorua Boys’ High School, Chris Grinter MNZM has dedicated 33 years to transforming the lives of young Māori men through education. Under his leadership, RBHS became a national model for excellence, winning the Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for Excellence in Education in 2019. When Chris arrived, the school’s roll was only 650 and Māori students were disengaged, with few staying long enough to gain qualifications. He wasn’t willing to accept this as status quo, and instead took personal responsibility for Māori student success.

His commitment to change led to the adoption of Te Kotahitanga, focusing on improving relationships between teachers and students, ensuring every boy felt valued and believed in. His evidence-based approach transformed individual teaching practices and revitalised school-wide processes, sparking lasting, meaningful change. Despite initial resistance, Chris’ unwavering dedication helped RBHS flourish, with a student body of over 1,200 – more than 75% Māori. His legacy is an unstoppable team of educators and generations of successful young men.

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.

Dr Alexander Stevens II

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dr Alexander Stevens II (Muriwhenua, Ngāpuhi) is a distinguished health leader in sexual violence recovery with over 20 years of expertise in trauma recovery, mental health, and addiction treatment. His innovative approach blends traditional Māori healing, Rongoā, with contemporary therapeutic practices, allowing him to provide comprehensive support to Māori and Pacific communities across Aotearoa. Dr Stevens II has worked with over 3500 men and their whanāu as a dedicated advocate and travels over 27,000 km annually, offering his therapeutic services and expertise for free to individuals and families impacted by sexual violence.

In 2019, he founded StandingTallNZ.org, a vital resource for Māori and Pacific men confronting trauma. He has supported men’s voices in the Royal Commission on historical abuse in state care inquiry. Additionally, as a Senior Māori lecturer in Clinical Sciences at Auckland University of Technology, Dr Stevens II nurtures the next generation of health professionals through innovative mentorship.

Dr Hassan Mubark

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dr Hassan Mubark is a distinguished rheumatologist with over 30 years of experience, known for his pioneering work in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal health. Specialising in Expanded Adult Stem Cell Therapy, Hassan provides patients with alternatives to invasive surgery – significantly improving pain management and quality of life. His innovative approach has led to remarkable successes, including game-changing results such as healing a fully torn shoulder tendon in a 71-year-old patient as a world 1st case, and supporting high performance athletes, using safe, non-surgical, locally injected regenerative medicine.

In 2023/2024, Hassan was recognised with the Specialist Clinic of the Year and won the global Innovative, Excellence Awards, and the Multi Award Golden Trophy. He has also received international honours for his expertise in stem cell therapy, a testament to his vision for positioning New Zealand as a leader in regenerative science. Deeply respected by patients, Hassan’s dedication is transforming lives, and advancing healthcare options across Aotearoa and beyond.

Dr Malcolm Mulholland

Manawatū-Whanganui

Dr Malcolm Mulholland (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a staunch, prominent advocate for cancer patients in New Zealand, tirelessly lobbying for access to life-enhancing medications. His advocacy journey began in May 2018 when his wife, Wiki, was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Together, they campaigned for funding of vital drugs like Palbociclib (Ibrance) and Trastuzumab Emtansine (Kadcyla). Following Wiki’s passing in November 2021, Malcolm founded Patient Voice Aotearoa (PVA), which has submitted over 20 Parliamentary petitions advocating for more than 50 medicines for various health conditions.

Under his leadership, PVA successfully called for the first independent review of Pharmac in its 27-year history, contributing to funding increases from $985 million to $1.8 billion. Despite his own battle with prostate cancer, Malcolm remains a strong voice for patients, ensuring their stories are heard and addressed. His dedication and advocacy have fostered widespread support from healthcare professionals and families across Aotearoa, making him a true champion for change.

Lydia Ko

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Lydia Ko has had a truly remarkable year, cementing her legacy as one of the most accomplished golfers in history. After cinching a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics – adding to her silver from Rio 2016 and bronze from Tokyo 2021 – Ko became the only golfer in history with a complete set of Olympic medals. This feat qualified her to become the 35th inductee in the LPGA Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s golf. Ko is no stranger to success – at just 17, she first claimed the world No. 1 ranking, a record she held for 85 weeks, and reclaimed in 2022.

Her trailblazing achievements include multiple Majors, dozens of tournament wins, and countless inspiring moments of sportsmanship. Yet, despite her extraordinary career, Ko remains exceptionally grounded and humble – representing New Zealand with gratitude and grace at every turn. Her performance both on and off the greens have made her an enduring inspiration – captivating young players across Aotearoa and beyond.

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.

Richard Adams

Canterbury Waitaha

Richard Adams is the founder and National Director of Taskforce Kiwi, a disaster relief charity powered by volunteers. Despite having a full-time job with the New Zealand Defence Force and a young family, Richard has built the organisation from the ground up, leading with vision and dedication. Taskforce Kiwi – made up of defence veterans, emergency services veterans, and members of the wider community – provides vital support during and after disasters, bridging the gap in disaster relief both in New Zealand and internationally. Under Richard’s leadership, Taskforce Kiwi has so far deployed 343 skilled volunteers, contributing 13,334 hours of work to disaster-hit communities across six countries; New Zealand, Australia, Vanuatu, Morocco, Canada and the US.

Richard’s innovation and hands-on leadership have not only provided immediate relief but also offered veterans a sense of purpose, identity and community through continued service. His efforts have had a direct impact on thousands of lives, making Taskforce Kiwi a beacon of hope for disaster-affected communities and an enduring asset for New Zealand.

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.

Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood are visionary philanthropists whose generosity has transformed healthcare, education, and community well-being in Wellington and beyond. Committed to making a lasting impact, they have jointly funded projects that address critical needs, most notably their $50 million donation to establish the Wellington Children’s Hospital. This state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2021, provides specialised care to young patients across New Zealand, fulfilling a longstanding need for advanced paediatric healthcare in the region. Beyond health, Mark and Dorothy’s philanthropy extends to supporting mental health services, medical research, and facilities for adults with disabilities.

Together, they’ve championed countless initiatives focused on improving quality of life, often prioritising projects that would otherwise struggle for funding. Known for their humility and hands-on approach, Mark and Dorothy’s dedication continues to inspire others and uplift communities, leaving a profound legacy of compassion and support for future generations across Aotearoa.

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

Thanks to our generous sponsor whānau
that make the awards possible

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