Senior New Zealander of the Year

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau

Ryman Healthcare

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE

2025

Finalists

This award honours New Zealanders aged 70+ who continue to shape Aotearoa through wisdom, action, and care. Far from winding down, they are still building legacies – using their experience to lead, serve, and make lasting impact.

Nominees of this Award must:

Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations in July.
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.

Judging Criteria

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 the 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

2025

Semi Finalists

Sir Graham Henry

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Sir Graham Henry KNZM, a luminary in New Zealand’s sporting annals, has left an indelible imprint far beyond the rugby field. Born in Ōtautahi Christchurch, his journey began as a schoolteacher and headmaster, culminating in a distinguished rugby coaching career. From 2004 to 2011, he spearheaded the All Blacks to numerous victories, including the 2011 Rugby World Cup, embodying his coaching mantra, “better people make better All Blacks.”

Following his retirement, Sir Graham’s commitment to community wellbeing and youth development never wavered. He championed causes that uplift the rugby community, serving as Patron for the New Zealand Rugby Foundation and the NZR Under 85kg grade. He also extended his support to the Rugby for Life charity, advocating for holistic wellbeing and life after rugby.

Allan Halse

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Allan Halse, the founder and director of CultureSafe NZ Ltd, is a stalwart advocate for victims of workplace bullying and systemic injustice in New Zealand. Leveraging his personal experience as a victim, Allan has selflessly sacrificed personal, professional, and financial stability to represent those affected by abusive work environments. In the last year, his relentless pursuit of justice led him to support whistleblowers connected with Te Pāti Māori and the Manurewa Marae, exposing serious privacy violations and procedural irregularities in Census data collection, prompting investigations by several governmental bodies.

Allan’s work, spanning a decade, is characterised by his unwavering commitment to honesty, justice, and human dignity. Despite the considerable personal toll, he continues to challenge powerful institutions, speak uncomfortable truths, and offer lifesaving support to clients in need. His work, while not widely recognised, has had profound impacts on mental health, employment rights, human rights, and whistleblower protection in New Zealand.

Dame Sue Bagshaw

Canterbury Waitaha

Dame Sue Bagshaw, a trailblazer for youth health and wellbeing, has spent over four decades reshaping the way at-risk young people in Aotearoa New Zealand receive healthcare, mental health services, and advocacy. In 1995, Dame Sue unveiled the nation’s inaugural comprehensive youth health clinic, a pioneering model now replicated across the country. She later co-founded Te Tahi Youth (formerly 198 Youth Health Centre), providing holistic, free care to thousands of rangatahi in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Against the backdrop of personal tragedy, Dame Sue spearheaded the development of a multi-service youth hub while continuing her hands-on dedication to the youth who often feel invisible. Her contributions extend beyond clinical and leadership roles, having helped to establish a charity hospital, expanding healthcare accessibility. Appointed Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019, Dame Sue’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Diana Rosemary Shand

Canterbury Waitaha

Diana Rosemary Shand MNZM, a tireless advocate for environmental, human rights, peace, and heritage issues, has devoted her life to making significant contributions both nationally and internationally. Her journey started in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Canterbury and later taught Marketing and Business Studies. Her dedication to advocacy led her to serve as a Human Rights Commissioner and a Council Member of the University of Canterbury. Diana’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability found expression in her tenure as a member of the Environment Canterbury Regional Council and her role as the national programme manager for the NZ office of the NGO ICLEI- Local Governments for Sustainability.

More recently, Diana has continued to influence environmental policy and awareness as a member of the Executive of ECO (Environment and Conservation Organisations of Aotearoa New Zealand) Canterbury and Chair of the North Canterbury Branch of the Forest and Bird Society. Internationally, she served as the Regional Councillor for Oceania for the NGO International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and was IUCN’s Vice President from 2009-2012. Her work has reshaped conversations on climate justice, and her efforts in advocating for small island states within Oceania have made a profound impact.

Dame Claudia Orange

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dame Claudia Orange, a highly esteemed historian, has redefined Aotearoa’s understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi. Her revolutionary book, first published in 1987, provided invaluable insights into the Treaty, fostering a national awakening to its significance. Ranginui Walker’s commendation, ‘This book is commended to all who love their country’, captures the profound impact of her work, which continues to resonate nearly four decades later with numerous reprints and an astonishing 50,000 copies sold.

Dame Claudia’s legacy extends beyond her seminal work on the Treaty. As the general editor of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, she spearheaded a monumental project documenting the lives of thousands of New Zealanders. She later served as Director History and Pacific Cultures at Te Papa Tongarewa, fostering greater understanding of te Tiriti through initiatives like Treaty2U. Even in retirement, she continues to write, publish, and advocate for historical understanding, leaving an enduring impact on Aotearoa.

Sir Richard Faull

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Distinguished Professor Sir Richard Faull (KNZM, ONZM, MBChB, PhD, DSc, FRSNZ, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Rāhiri) is a trailblazing neuroscientist, revered globally for his groundbreaking work in brain research. This past year, Sir Richard continued his innovative research at Aotearoa New Zealand’s Centre for Brain Research (CBR) – Te Huinga Hinengaro, contributing significantly to the scientific understanding of brain diseases and fostering a thriving community of emerging neuroscientists.

A humble leader with an unshakeable commitment to tikanga and service, Sir Richard’s impact extends beyond academia. His culturally sensitive dementia research has transformed Māori health, while his tireless efforts to build the CBR have secured Aotearoa’s place on the international neuroscience stage, promising a future rich in discovery and healing.

Jeet Suchdev

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Jeet Suchdev, an emblem of compassion and vision, has committed his golden years to strengthening the multicultural tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand. As the Chairman of Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust, Jeet has reshaped the organisation into a nationally trusted pillar for migrant settlement support, wellbeing programmes for senior citizens, youth engagement initiatives, and crisis assistance. Even in his senior years, Jeet’s kinetic energy, profound empathy, and hands-on leadership continue to inspire and impact thousands.

Jeet’s work extends beyond the Indian community, championing inclusion and cross-cultural understanding across the motu. From free English language classes to senior social clubs, his initiatives have given countless individuals a sense of social connection, employment pathways, and cultural belonging. His unwavering leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured crucial aid reached those most in need, embodying the very essence of manaaki and community.

Tā Mason Durie

Manawatū-Whanganui

Emeritus Professor Tā Mason Durie, ONZ, KNZM, FRSNZ FRANZCP, is an esteemed influencer who has devoted his life to enhancing the wellbeing of Aotearoa New Zealand with his profound contributions to Māori health, education, and social development. In the past year, he has continued to shape national dialogues about equity, Treaty partnership, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into mainstream practice. His innovative frameworks, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā and Whānau Ora, have revolutionised service delivery, empowering Māori communities and influencing health systems, policy, and community development across the motu.

In the last 12 months, Tā Mason launched Whānau Ora Whakaoranga 2024–2064, a significant research initiative to guide Māori health’s next 40 years, and continued his advisory role with the Whānau Ora collective. A forthcoming book, Whiti Ora, will delve into Māori health over the last two decades, demonstrating his enduring commitment to advancing indigenous health and wellbeing.

Russel and Teresa Trow

Southland Murihiku

For over four decades, Russel and Teresa Trow have devoted themselves to the restoration and protection of native biodiversity on Kundy Island and other islands within the Tītī Island group around Rakiura. Their work, which began in the 1980s, includes the successful removal of invasive weka, creating a safe environment for the reintroduction of native species including the tīeke (saddleback), matata (fernbird), and meaweka (banded rail). Their dedicated efforts have resulted in Kundy Island becoming a vital source for repopulating other islands, significantly enhancing regional biodiversity.

The Trows’ commitment to conservation has not only revived local bird populations on the brink of extinction, but their collaborative model has also transformed relationships between birders, government agencies, and local whānau. Their expertise, recognised internationally, continues to shape the future of species conservation in Aotearoa, making Kundy Island a thriving sanctuary and a beacon for community-led conservation.

Alan and Hazel Kerr

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Dr Alan Kerr and Hazel Kerr, known fondly as the compassionate couple of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, have spent the past two decades transforming the lives of nearly 1,000 Palestinian children, earning them the title of “the father and mother of paediatric cardiac surgery” in Palestine. Alan, former head of cardiothoracic surgery, and Hazel, a dedicated teacher, initiated over 40 self-funded medical missions, turning their retirement years into a remarkable journey of service and humanity.

Their work has not only provided life-saving surgeries but also cultured a legacy of medical excellence in a region marked by conflict. Now in their nonagenarian years, the Kerrs continue their advocacy at home, promoting their documentary “The Doctor’s Wife”, fostering understanding, and sustaining support for their ongoing cause.

Dr Philip Bagshaw

Canterbury Waitaha

Dr Philip Bagshaw, the compassionate heart behind Canterbury Charity Hospital, has reshaped healthcare accessibility in Aotearoa. Since founding the hospital in 2007 alongside his wife, Lady Sue Bagshaw, he has been a beacon of hope to thousands, providing free surgical and medical care to those otherwise overlooked by the public health system. Dr Bagshaw, a former semi-finalist for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and Local Hero Medallist, continues to break barriers and challenge the status quo in the healthcare sector.

His unwavering dedication extends beyond hospital walls as he tirelessly advocates for systemic healthcare reform. By highlighting the inequities in access and mobilising a network of volunteer health professionals, Dr Bagshaw is not only addressing the immediate needs but also inspiring lasting change. His enduring legacy is marked by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

Sir Roger Hall

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Sir Roger Hall, a knighted icon of Aotearoa’s arts scene, has been etching his wit and wisdom into our cultural canvas for over six decades. Emigrating from Essex, England to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1958, Hall swiftly established himself as a leading playwright, his insightful narratives capturing the essence of middle-class Kiwi life. His debut stage play, ‘Glide Time’ (1976), later adapted into the beloved TV series ‘Gliding On’, set a precedent for his ability to intertwine comedy and pathos, long before the global rise of ‘The Office’.

At 86, Hall’s dedication to his craft remains unwavering. With over 40 plays to his name, including ‘Middle-Age Spread’, ‘Conjugal Rites’, and ‘End of Summer Time’, Sir Roger continues to shape the storyline of Aotearoa’s performing arts scene. His enduring commitment to theatre, recognised by a knighthood in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours, underscores his influential legacy.

The Rt Hon Helen Clark

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

In recent times, the Rt Hon Helen Clark has channelled her formidable leadership skills into the global sphere, becoming a relentless advocate for peace, justice, and humanitarian rights. Specifically in 2025, she highlighted the urgent Gaza crisis, visiting the Rafah border crossing alongside Mary Robinson to bear witness to the severe conditions and advocate for the reopening of all border crossings for vital humanitarian aid.

Helen Clark’s ceaseless commitment to human rights extends beyond words into impactful action, as seen in her determined efforts to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. She remains a vocal critic of the suspension of funding to UNRWA, actively urging donors to resume support, thereby underscoring her enduring legacy as an advocate for those whose voices are often unheard.

Sir Peter Gluckman

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Sir Peter Gluckman, a distinguished figure in the realm of science and policy-making, has made a significant contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand’s scientific landscape over the past year. As chairman of the Science System Advisory Group in 2024, he masterminded a strategic report, ‘An Architecture for the Future.’ This document proposed a structured approach to aligning national research with global challenges and domestic priorities, thereby bolstering the effectiveness and sustainability of New Zealand’s science system.

Internationally, Sir Peter’s influence is felt through his role as President of the International Science Council and his active participation in science diplomacy. In Aotearoa, he continues to lead Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, bridging the gap between scientific research and public policy. His unwavering commitment to tackling societal challenges such as climate change, health, and technology ensures that evidence-based decisions shape our nation’s future.

Previous

winners

Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP

2025

Bob Francis CNZM QSO MBE JP

2024

Sir Mark Dunajtschik KNZM

2023

Rereata Mākiha

2022

Dr Doug Wilson MNZM

2021

Dame Margaret Sparrow DNZM MBE

2020

Dr Bill Glass

2019

Sir Kim Workman KNZM QSO

2018

Sue Paterson ONZM

2017

John Russell

2016

Donald Sew Hoy

2015

Frances Denz MNZM

2014

Ian Grant

2013

Malcolm Cameron

2012

Alison Neill

2011

Sir Eion Edgar KNZM

2010

Thanks to our generous sponsor whānau
that make the awards possible

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office@nzawards.org.nz
media@nzawards.org.nz

PO Box 1158
Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

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