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Meet your 2025 Semi-Finalists

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau

Ryman Healthcare

2025

Semi-Finalists

Albie Paton

Northland Te Tai Tokerau

Albie Paton has spent a lifetime uplifting the Maungaturoto community in Te Tai Tokerau Northland – generously giving his time and energy to a diverse range of local causes. A former farmer, Albie has been an unwavering champion for the local sports community over the years – offering his own land for a rugby pitch, and playing an instrumental role in establishing the Maungaturoto Country Club. He’s a familiar face at the local bowls club, where he served as Northland Centre President.

He was also a driving force behind the St. John’s annual fundraiser, rallying the community to raise significant funds as well as being involved in another fundraising effort, raising $500K for the Maungaturoto Rest Home Dementia Unit. In addition, Albie has also served for 6 years on the Northland Rugby Union and also chaired the local committee that ran a successful 150 year celebration for the area.

Over a decade ago, Albie repurposed an old scout hut into ‘the Den’ – collecting old furniture and other goods that people were giving away, and giving them a new lease on life through a secondhand shop. This endeavour has seen hundreds of thousands of dollars raised for local causes including the Coastguard, rescue helicopters, Northland Hospice, and cyclone relief. To this day Albie continues to dedicate his time to running the Den, generously giving his time and energy for the betterment of his community.

Bill Day MNZM JP

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

As the founder of the Wellington Hospitals Foundation, Bill Day MNZM JP has spent two decades championing healthcare in New Zealand. Driven by his innate compassion, Bill built the Foundation from the ground up, resulting in a vital organisation that has positively impacted hundreds of thousands of parents and families across the country. His remarkable leadership has helped raise over $160million to support our hospitals across the Wellington region – contributing to life-saving equipment, advanced medical technology, and major initiatives such as Wellington’s new Regional Children’s Hospital, which opened in 2022.

Additionally, Bill brought together a hospital volunteer programme that mobilises almost 500 dedicated individuals to provide thousands of hours in support each year. Though he stepped back from day-today operations in 2024, Bill remains the voluntary Chair of the Board and actively champions the Foundation. Widely respected in Wellington, he also continues his long association with Life Flight, Wellington Free Ambulance, and youth mental health initiatives, making him an inspiring senior leader with a legacy of impact.

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.

Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou) is an outstanding Māori artist, advocate and educator whose contributions to Māori arts and culture span several decades. A graduate of The University of Auckland’s Elam School of Fine Arts in 1965, she has been a passionate advocate for Māori artistic expression both nationally and internationally. Elizabeth served on the New Zealand Arts Foundation and Creative New Zealand Council, and chaired Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, from 1994 to 2006. She was also New Zealand’s representative on the Council of Pacific Arts and Culture, leading delegations to Samoa, New Caledonia, and Palau.

In 1995, she founded and led the Haerewa Māori Advisory Board at Auckland Art Gallery until 2021. With a background in art education and evaluation, Elizabeth was involved with the Education Review Office from 1990 to 2013. She established Toi Iho Charitable Trust, which certifies authentic Māori art, and the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, Aotearoa’s first public Māori art gallery. Currently, she is working on the establishment of the Māori Art Museum of Aotearoa (MAMA). Her leadership, cultural advocacy, and dedication as an educator continue to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Hansa Naran

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Hansa Naran is a passionate community advocate, known for her unwavering commitment to supporting families and empowering women across New Zealand. Since arriving from Zimbabwe in 1971, she’s poured over fifty years into uplifting others and creating lasting change, recently being honoured with a Queen’s Service Medal in 2024. As Treasurer for groups like the New Zealand Indian Central Association and the National Council of Women, Hansa has helped raise more than $500,000 for causes ranging from COVID-19 relief to gender equity.

She’s a fierce advocate for pay equity, parental leave, and women’s rights, inspiring others through her work with Business & Professional Women Franklin. Her warmth shines in her volunteer roles, too – from Victim Support to Look Good Feel Better, where she helps individuals facing hardship feel heard and cared for. Now also serving as a Justice of the Peace, Hansa is a true community anchor, dedicated to building a more inclusive, supportive future for all.

Jeet Suchdev

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Jeet Suchdev is a lifelong advocate for community service whose contributions have profoundly impacted New Zealand communities. After a successful career in hospitality and tourism, he founded Bhartiya Samaj in 1995, a registered charitable trust that has become a vibrant hub for senior citizens, children, and immigrants, with a special focus on enhancing the well-being of older adults. In 2015, Jeet established New Zealand’s first culturally focused rest home, providing residents from South Asian backgrounds with culturally appropriate services and support, ensuring they live with dignity and familiarity in their later years.

Through his efforts, Jeet has significantly improved the lives of senior citizens by fostering social connections, addressing hidden issues such as elder abuse, and securing housing for seniors through Kāinga Ora and Haumaru Housing. He has also been a strong advocate for essential medical and counselling support for the elderly. Jeet is also a team member of The Age-Friendly Auckland Action Plan, an Auckland Council programme developed to improve the well-being of older Aucklanders across the region. His leadership extends to prominent roles in organisations such as Foundation North and the Auckland Indian Diaspora. A Justice of the Peace and recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal, he is widely respected for his governance expertise and his ability to inspire collective action within the community.

Guided by his belief that “Service to man is service to God,” Jeet’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of senior citizens continues to drive initiatives that improve their quality of life and provide them with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Jenny Wake

Hawke′s Bay Te Matau-a-Māui

Jenny Wake is a true powerhouse of New Zealand’s performing arts and children’s media, with a decades-long career dedicated to creating – and advocating for – quality programming for tamariki and rangatahi. From producing and directing pioneering children’s television shows such as ‘Play School’ and ‘What Now’ to founding Calico Young People’s Theatre, Jenny has shaped the landscape of children’s theatre and TV, growing a legacy that continues to engage and inspire. Her commitment goes beyond the stage –

Jenny is a driving force behind the advocacy and service organisation PAYPA (Performing Arts and Young People Aotearoa) and represents New Zealand internationally through ASSITEJ – ensuring New Zealand stays connected to a global community of theatre makers, often out of her own pocket. Her vision has opened doors for both young performers and professional theatre artists, inspired generations, and ensured that children across New Zealand can access enriching arts experiences, no matter where they live. Humble yet unstoppable, Jenny’s impact is everywhere in New Zealand’s arts for young people.

John & Lily Coleman

Northland Te Tai Tokerau

On the rolling lands west of Kaikohe, farmers John and Lily Coleman have carved off four hectares of land encompassing a historic pā site, and gifted it to local hapu. The Coleman’s moved to Te Tokerau, Northland, in 1966, where they raised four children and dedicated much of their lives to the Kaikohe community. Over the years, John served as an elected local council officer, a school committee member for 17 years, a rugby referee, and a member of the Bay of Islands Federated Farmers. He also served as President during a challenging period under the Labour Government, witnessing the economic hardships of high interest rates and low produce returns. John was a member of the LIC committee, working to improve the genetics of Northland dairy cows, and authored a book on the Ohura Experience. Lily supported children with learning difficulties through SPELD and has been an active member of Rural Women since 1967. Together, they coached ‘Learn to Swim’ children and helped with athletics in the community

However, the knowledge that Pākinga Pā sat within their land title never felt quite right – and recently, a decision was made to return the pā to those whose connection was deeper, and longer, than that of the Coleman family. This commitment has nurtured a deep, cross cultural relationship in the Kaikohe community, and serves as an impactful reminder to New Zealanders of how we can work together to rebuild whānau connection to the land. In this action and many more, Lily and John have devoted their lives to the people of Kaikohe – displaying aroha and manaakitanga over 58 years of service.

Lexie Matheson ONZM

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Lexie Matheson ONZM is a tireless champion for inclusivity, dedicated to creating spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and seen. Having contributed over 30 years of LGBTQ+ activism, she remains an active and impactful voice in human rights, recently serving as an advisor for both the Human Rights Commission and the Sport Integrity Commission, championing trans inclusion in sports. Lexie’s contributions extend internationally, with roles on the World Archery Gender Equity and Inclusion Committee and as an advisor for Archery New Zealand’s wellbeing initiatives.

Her dedication to sports is undeniable; she’s a seasoned referee, competitor, and coach in karate and archery, and will compete in the 2024 WGKF Karate World Championships. Locally, she leads Pride Wise Elders events, mentors youth in dojo programmes, and is a frequent face at the YMCA. As an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Lexie continues to inspire, lead, and drive positive change for an inclusive future.

Professor Tom Roa

Waikato

As a highly respected leader, historian, and Ahorangi/professor at the University of Waikato’s Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies, Professor Tom Roa (Ngāti Apakura, Ngāti Maniapoto Waikato) has helped to shape the way New Zealand honours and understands its past. Known for his deep knowledge of Māori language, culture, and history, Tom has led efforts to preserve and celebrate te reo Māori and champion Māori heritage. He’s been instrumental in commemorating events like the Waikato invasion and the 1864 Rangiaowhia attack, highlighting the importance of healing and reconciliation.

As a member of the Waitangi Tribunal and Heritage New Zealand’s Māori Heritage Council, Tom advocates for a future where New Zealand’s shared history is acknowledged and respected. His legacy shines in his work across Tainui marae and the nation, where he has inspired countless people to engage with the past and embrace a vision of unity grounded in cultural respect and understanding.

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

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

Thanks to our generous sponsor whānau
that make the awards possible

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