Bob Francis

Senior New Zealander of the Year

2024

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau

Ryman Healthcare

Creating a legacy for tomorrow, these people have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in their life, following their careers in any service, sector or field. They are actively involved in making the world around them a better place.

Nominees of this Award must:

  • Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
  • Have had significant impact in their senior years
  • Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age
  • 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 later in life to inspire you to nominate them as 2025 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
  • 10 points: PURPOSE:
    Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how?
  • 10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
    How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age.
  • 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 following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back?
  • 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
    How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured?
  • 10 points: LEGACY
    How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?

 

Conditions of Entry

Bob Francis

The definition of living life to the fullest, Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP is a remarkable man with an extraordinary record of community service. As the seven-term Mayor of Masterton from 1986 to 2007, he displayed exemplary leadership during some incredibly challenging times, addressing issues such as family violence and a series of high-profile incidents that drew national attention. Beyond his Mayoral role, Bob’s commitment to improving the nation’s health services is evident in his chairmanship of Masterton Medical, involvement in establishing medical facilities, and roles on health boards. His influence extends to conservation, where he chaired the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre and led water resource initiatives. As a co-founder of the Wairarapa Development Group, he actively promotes regional commercial opportunities. Bob’s diverse contributions include leadership in the arts, aviation, and homelessness initiatives, a testament to the broad reach of his tireless support. A former top-ranked rugby referee globally, he remains deeply connected to sports, holding life memberships in rugby associations. Bob is a true community leader with a boundless capacity for generosity.

Previous

winners

Bob Francis

2024

Sir Mark Dunajtschik

2023

Rereata Mākiha

2022

Dr Doug Wilson MNZM

2021

Dame Margaret Sparrow

2020

Dr Bill Glass

2019

Sir Kim Workman

2018

Sue Paterson

2017

John Russell

2016

Donald Sew Hoy

2015

Championing

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Cheyne Chalmers

CEO, NZ Ryman Healthcare

“We’re absolutely delighted to support the Senior New Zealander of the Year Award. We know there are thousands of older Kiwis who never retire, and continue to make a massive contribution to their communities and New Zealand as a whole. We think this Award is an excellent way of recognising how much they give back.”

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