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Meet your 2025 Semi-Finalists

University of Canterbury

Young New Zealander of the Year

University of Canterbury

Young New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātātahi o te Tau

University of Canterbury

2025

Semi-Finalists

Alexia Hilbertidou

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Alexia Hilbertidou is a trailblazing young leader and social entrepreneur driven by the motto, “you are never too young to create change.” At 16, she founded GirlBoss New Zealand, now the country’s largest network for young women, with 17,500 members. Through GirlBoss, Alexia has created initiatives that empower young women, providing free access to mentorship, training, and leadership opportunities. Her flagship programme, GirlBoss Edge, has helped over 5,000 young women—particularly from rural areas—gain industry-specific training and one-on-one mentorship, with 93% of participants describing it as “life-changing.”

Alexia has forged partnerships with over 50 corporate and government agencies, ensuring GirlBoss programmes remain accessible to all. She has spoken at over 300 schools and events, inspiring youth across New Zealand. On the global stage, she has spoken at major conferences such as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and One Young World, alongside leaders like Richard Branson and Meghan Markle. As a National Geographic Explorer, NASA Scientific Communicator, and Facebook Leadership Fellow, Alexia is shaping New Zealand’s future leaders and empowering a generation to break barriers and create social impact.

Ben Purua

Waikato

Ben Purua (Tainui) embodies resilience, transformation, and hope – emerging from a troubled past to become an inspiring leader in New Zealand’s agricultural sector. Growing up amid gangs and violence, Ben was ultimately charged with manslaughter at 15 and served time at Waikeria Prison. There, he discovered a passion for farming, which fuelled his determination to turn his life around. Today, Ben holds the title of Ahuwhenua Young Māori Farmer of the Year and was named Dairy Manager of the Year for the Central Plateau region – but his impact goes well beyond these personal accolades.

With compassion and dedication, Ben is now supporting ex-prisoners, troubled youth, and individuals battling addiction to find purpose and employment in agriculture. Through his mentoring programmes and initiatives like Kāmu to Pāmu, Ben empowers others to believe that change is possible. As a leader on the He Tātai Rangahua Food and Fibre Youth Network, Ben champions opportunities that break cycles of hardship. His ultimate vision to create a transition farm that supports individuals leaving prison, aiding reintegration and providing a pathway to a brighter future.

Daniel Gamboa

Wellington Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Daniel Gamboa is a former refugee from Colombia, a queer advocate, and one of Aotearoa’s youngest Justices of the Peace. Arriving in Aotearoa at the age of 18 with no English and nothing but hope, Daniel has channelled his lived experience into transforming the lives of others. He is the co-founder and CEO of the New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council, the only NGO in Aotearoa run entirely by and for refugee-background youth. In this role, Daniel has positively impacted the lives of more than 7,000 young people by championing their rights, creating unique opportunities, and supporting their leadership development to drive meaningful change.

Daniel has raised over half a million dollars to support initiatives that transform the lives of refugee youth and their communities. In August 2024, he made history by leading refugee youth in co-designing the Refugee Resettlement Forum with the Department of Immigration. This marked the first time refugee youth were invited to decision-making tables to develop policies that impact their futures. In 2016, Daniel became the first refugee youth to speak at the UN Consultations on Resettlement in Geneva, paving the way for broader recognition of refugee voices. Since then, he has represented Aotearoa on various international stages.

Ella Scrivens

Bay of Plenty Te Moana a Toi

Ella Scrivens is an inspiring young leader determined to transform mental health and medical support systems. Working alongside the mental health sector in Tauranga, Ella actively uses her lived experience to improve crisis intervention by participating in reviews to propose better practices, engaging in early intervention for primary to intermediate aged children and more. She’s currently focused on working alongside clinicians, developing a zero seclusion strategy, addressing the adverse effects of isolation on individuals in crisis. Ella also collaborated with the mental health charity “Voices of Hope,” sharing her personal story to help in destigmatsing struggles and offer hope to others.

Beyond this work, Ella is a champion for mental health reform, highlighting the challenges individuals face when judged by their medical histories. She’s well known to jump in with courage and compassion wherever she’s needed – assisting others in immediate distress. Working at a local gymnastics club, Ella is a trusted mentor and coach for children – providing valuable training, support and encouragement to help kids reach beyond their goals. She also has aspirations to become an occupational therapist and youth peer support worker. Ella is already a force for change, dedicated to uplifting her community and saving lives.

Keegan Jones

Northland Te Tai Tokerau

Keegan Jones (Ngā-Hine, Ngā-Porou) is a young Whangārei lawyer transforming access to justice in Aotearoa. Driven by his deep commitment to his iwi and community, he launched Northland’s first collaborative legal services clinic in early 2023, partnering with Citizens Advice Bureau and Te Whatu Ora to provide free legal support grounded in manaakitanga and whanaungatanga. Since then, Keegan’s clinics have supported over 500 clients, creating a safe, welcoming space for whānau navigating complex legal matters. Within just eight months, two additional legal clinics have been opened, and plans are underway to establish a fourth clinic in Hamilton next year.

All of Keegan’s clinics are based on Te Ao Māori, aiming to increase access to justice while reducing barriers to justice. He has also pioneered the first collaborative legal clinic with the University of Canterbury and Rehua Marae. This initiative allows law students to take a legal paper that combines volunteering in a Te Ao Māori environment with contributing to their law degree. His innovative approach integrates legal education with service, ensuring students gain practical experience while supporting their communities.

Through the NZ Free Legal Clinics Project, Keegan’s vision extends beyond Northland, inspiring lawyers across Auckland, Waikato, and Christchurch to establish similar services. Known for his kindness and energy, he is a role model for both young and experienced lawyers, demonstrating how law can be a force for positive change. Keegan’s work is making a lasting impact, ensuring accessible, compassionate legal support for communities across Aotearoa.

Nate Wilbourne

Nelson Whakatū

Nate Wilbourne, a passionate 16-year-old climate activist from Whakatū Nelson, is leading the charge for environmental and social change in Aotearoa. Founder of GEN-Z Aotearoa, Nate has built a platform that educates and empowers youth to tackle key issues – from climate action to social justice – through social media and grassroots activism. His work has mobilised thousands, including leading marches, advocating for Papatūānuku, and sharing his message through high-profile platforms such as TED Talks and National Young Leaders Day. Nate’s commitment extends globally; he’s represented New Zealand at climate conferences abroad, sharing insights and learning from other global advocates.

Back home, he actively volunteers with environmental organisations like Forest & Bird, organising local protests and educational initiatives. Known for his kindness and humility, Nate not only leads by example but also inspires his peers to take meaningful action. His mahi embodies the Māori whakataukī, “Mahia te mahi, hei painga mo te iwi” – “Work for the benefit of the people.”

Nu'uali'i Eteroa Lafaele

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele (Fogapoa, Leulumoega Tuai, Lefaga) is a globally recognised Samoan leader and software engineer from Cannons Creek, Porirua, forging new pathways to bridge the digital divide for Pacific communities in Aotearoa. As the founder of DigiTautua, she delivered refurbished devices to families in need during COVID-19, and as co-founder of Fibre Fale, she is creating innovative pathways into technology for Pacific people.

Under her leadership, Fibre Fale has made an extraordinary impact in under two years, empowering over 6,650 people through in-person programs and reaching a quarter-million online. Eteroa has led groundbreaking initiatives, including the first Pacific Tech Careers Expo, tech-focused community events, mentorship programs, and leadership camps tailored for Pacific youth.

A celebrated changemaker, Eteroa has received prestigious accolades such as Forbes 30 Under 30 in Social Impact, the Young IT Professional of the Year, and the NZ Hi-Tech Young Achiever Award. Her work, blending cultural insight with cutting-edge vision, has amplified Pasifika voices in tech and inspired the next generation. Passionate about service and innovation, Eteroa is redefining what it means to lead with purpose and heart on both local and global stages.

Quack Pirihi

Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Quack Pirihi (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, & Patuharakeke) is a dynamic advocate for indigenous rights, environmental protection, and youth empowerment in Aotearoa. As a rangatahi Māori from Takahiwai, Quack is deeply committed to uplifting whānau Māori, especially Takatāpui (Māori who identify with diverse sexes, genders and sexualites). They founded Mana Āniwaniwa in 2022 to address and prevent suicide in queer and Takatāpui communites, mobilising whānau to embrace their mana motuhake and reclaim tino rangatiratanga. Quack has been engaged across the climate action space from protesting Deep Sea Mining, to empowering rangatahi to explore what kaitiakitanga means for them.

From working in Sexual Violence & Family Violence, Suicide Prevention, Climate Action, Digital Equity, and many other sectors – they stand as a rangatahi proud to be reclaiming their reo at Te Wānanga o Raukawa, something they hope to bring back for future generations in their whānau. Through ups and downs, they mihi to those around them who have helped carve the path for them to be where they are.

Te Kahukura Boynton

Waikato

Te Kahukura Boynton (Ngāti Kahungunu, Tuhoe, Te Whakatōhea) is a young Māori trailblazer from Napier, dedicated to closing the wealth gap and empowering her community. At 18, she founded Māori Millionaire, a platform promoting financial literacy for Māori and Pacific communities, with the personal goal of becoming a Māori millionaire by 25. Once a broke University student, Te Kahukura vercame her own financial challenges by healing her money mindset. Now, she’s on a mission to defy stereotypes and inspire other rangatahi by normalising conversations about financial well-being.

Through the Māori Millionaire Podcast and her active presence on social media, she shares accessible, culturally relevant financial insights, filling a gap she identified in financial resources for underprivileged communities. Her work has sparked a growing community – now totalling over 60,000 – motivating young Māori and Pacific people to take control of their financial futures. Te Kahukura’s advocacy not only educates but also challenges societal expectations, building a legacy of generational wealth and economic empowerment for future Māori and Pacific whānau.

The Reverend Zhane Tiopira Tāhau

Hawke′s Bay Te Matau-a-Māui

The Reverend Zhane Tiopira Tāhau (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) is a young community leader who has made it his mission to support the spiritual wellbeing of Māori communities in Hawkes Bay. Zhane was ordained in the Māori Anglican Church at just 23 years old and dedicates his life to the pastoral care of the marae and many people of Te Mātau-ā-Maui Hawkes Bay. He was instrumental in leading the wairua (spiritual) response during the disaster recovery and aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle. This work was recognised by a Civic Honour Award for Cyclone Recovery from Hastings District Council. He plays an instrumental role in leading hapū and community events and bringing people together, including the recent Hui Taumata (Hui-ā-motu) at Ōmāhu marae– bringing together over 3,000 participants, including Kiingi Tuheitia and various iwi – to discuss Te Kōtahitanga and identify solutions to action Māori unity.

As a result of this hui, he is now a member of the Amorangi ki Mua Working Group for Kōtahitanga (National Māori Unity), alongside prominent Māori leaders. Within his iwi of Ngāti Kahungunu, he is actively leading the formation of an interfaith leaders’ group comprising of ministers and spiritual leaders dedicated to serving the Kahungunu iwi. This initiative aims to promote and enhance pastoral leadership, spiritual well-being, and unity among Ngāti Kahungunu. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Zhane used online platforms to share karakia and inspirational messages with over 30,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook. Currently, he serves his hapū full-time, spearheading cultural recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle. Zhane is a dedicated servant to his people, providing leadership during both times of mourning and celebration. He remains a consistent kanohi kitea (visible presence) and spiritual leader within Ngāti Kahungunu.

The leaders of tomorrow, brimming with the potential to build a bright future for Aotearoa. These people strive to improve themselves, their communities, and their nation.

Nominees of this Award must:

  • Be aged between 15-30 years, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
  • Have had significant positive impact over the past 12 months.
  • Be a role model for young New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
  • Meet the 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 over the past year to nominate them as 2025 University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau.
  • 10 points: PURPOSE:
    Who benefits from this person’s work, contribution, or influence – and how?
  • 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
    How does this person set a positive example for other young people and showing them the potential for change.
  • 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: PROVEN IMPACT:
    How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How has this been measured?
  • 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
    If known, how does the nominee 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

Simran Kaur

2024

Shaneel Lal

2023

Ezra Hirawani

2022

Jazz Thornton

2021

Georgia Hale

2020

Kendall Flutey

2019

David Cameron

2018

Rez Gardi

2017

Lydia Ko

2016

Guy Ryan

2015

Parris Goebel

2014

Sam Judd

2013
2012 Young New Zealander of the Year Sam Johnson

Sam Johnson

2012
2011 Young New Zealander of the Year Jamie Fenton

Jamie Fenton

2011
2010 Young New Zealander of the Year Divya Dhar.

Divya Dhar

2010

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