Stewart Bull (Ngāi Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Waitaha) is a respected environmental leader whose lifelong dedication has helped shaped some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant conservation efforts. A founding member of Predator Free Rakiura,this project aim is to eradicate mammalians from Rakiura/Stewart Island. Also a founding member of Te Ao Marama inc, the natural resource management group overseeing local iwi interests in RMA and local govt.A founding member of the Fiordland Marine Guardians since 1995, he has been central to protecting the Fiordland marine environment through collaborative governance, policy leadership, and deep community engagement. His long-standing stewardship also extends to Rakiura, where he serves as Chairman of the Rakiura Tītī Committee and a founding member of the Rakiura Tītī Islands Administering Body.

As part of Stewart’s guidance, predator eradication has now been achieved on around 70% of the Tītī Islands, enabling the steady return of native species including tīeke, tūī, and bellbird etc. A strong advocate for sustainable utilisation of natural resources, he has been a consistent voice calling for the protection of Southland’s waterways and ecological balance.also is active as a Tangata Tiaki kaitiaki managing local customary fisheries but also is involved with management of various commercial fisheries. A past long-term member of the Southland conservation board alongside the Whenua hou komiti and kaitiaki roopu managing flora and fauna to better accommodate our indigenous species. was Recognised with the Queen’s Service Medal in 2018, Stewart continues to champion thoughtful, community led conservation that protects our natural world for generations to come.

Sir Graham Henry is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most respected leaders – a teacher, school principal, mentor, and rugby legend whose influence extends far beyond the field. As Head Coach of the All Blacks from 2004 to 2011, he guided the team to World Cup victory, five Tri Nations titles, and three Grand Slams, earning global admiration for his player-centred philosophy: “better people make better All Blacks.”

Since stepping back from international coaching, Sir Graham has channelled his energy into causes that uplift and unite communities. He has support roles with The Plunket Foundation ,Save the Kiwi, and Coast Guard In 2025 he continues his work as Patron, of Cure Kids and the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, advocating for seriously injured players and helping secure their lifelong care and dignity. Through initiatives such as Rugby for Life, Match Fit, and the Under 85kg grade, he champions inclusivity, wellbeing, and resilience – inspiring New Zealanders to stay connected, give back, and look after one another.

Photo sourced from The Guardian.

Rod Milner, a trailblazer in the mobility solutions sector, boasts a 62-year illustrious career in New Zealand’s automotive industry. Commencing his journey in 1963 in a rural dealership, Rod’s career took him from Sales Controller at British Leyland to Product Manager for Land Rover at NZ Motor Corporation to Marketing Manager and then General Manager at Subaru New Zealand. In 1982, he established Rod Milner Motors, which after successful franchises with several brands, began focusing on vehicle importation. His visionary leadership led to the foundation of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA), giving voice to hundreds of dealers and influencing the sector for over 37 years.

The turning point in Rod’s career came when he identified the lack of suitable vehicles for transporting his late wife, who was wheelchair-bound. This inspired him to pivot his company’s focus towards mobility vehicles and accessible transport solutions. Today, Milner Mobility stands as New Zealand’s leading provider of wheelchair-accessible vehicles and adaptive transport solutions, sourcing equipment globally and continuing to innovate under Rod’s strategic guidance and his son, Darren Milner’s, operational leadership.

For nearly four decades, Dame Claudia Orange has shaped the way New Zealanders understand their past and, in doing so, their national identity. Her groundbreaking 1987 book The Treaty of Waitangi brought clarity and credibility to a subject long clouded by misunderstanding. It became an instant classic, selling more than 50,000 copies and changing the national conversation about te Tiriti o Waitangi. Companion works such as The Story of a Treaty and An Illustrated History of the Treaty of Waitangi remain staples of classrooms and libraries nationwide.

At 87, Dame Claudia remains an active and respected voice in the country’s historical life. Over the past few years she has continued to research Treaty, deliver public lectures across the motu, and advise on key heritage projects such as He Tohu and Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi. Present at Waitangi Day and at Parliament for the 2025 return of Ōrākau to Tainui, she continues to bring wisdom and clarity to national conversations.

Jeet Suchdev is a tireless advocate for unity, compassion, and cultural inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand. As Chairman of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, he has transformed the organisation from a small cultural group into one of New Zealand’s leading providers of migrant settlement support, senior wellbeing programmes, and youth engagement initiatives. A strong champion for seniors, Jeet has worked extensively on cases of elder abuse, ensuring vulnerable older people receive protection, dignity, and ongoing support.

He actively assists seniors in securing safe accommodation and essential services. Jeet also works closely with Auckland Council’s Age-friendly team, advocating for improved wellbeing, accessible facilities, health services, housing, and transport for seniors across the region. With vision and collaboration at the heart of his leadership, Jeet helped establish New Zealand’s first culturally appropriate care home in partnership with BUPA NZ at David Lange Care Home – a milestone in senior care for ethnic communities. His leadership during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ensured that vulnerable families received food, care, and connection when they needed it most. In his seventies, Jeet remains as active as ever, mentoring youth leaders, advising government on ethnic affairs, and coordinating essential community services. His enduring commitment to service, empathy, and inclusion continues to inspire.