News

THE 2023 FINALISTS HAVE LANDED.

1 Mar 2023

These are the 22 people having the biggest impact in New Zealand right now. Finalists Announced for Seven Categories in Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.

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Nominations Are Open!

20 Jul 2021

Nomination season is here. Six weeks. Seven categories – including one new one! We're looking to you, Aotearoa! From now until Tuesday 31 August, nominate this year's outstanding New Zealanders whose contributions are above and beyond.

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Watch The New Zealander of the Year Awards 2020 live!

13 Feb 2020

Join MCs Toni Street and Scotty Morrison for one of the most inspirational nights of the year!

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MEET THE 2020 NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

27 Jan 2020

With less than a month to go until the New Zealander of the Year Gala Dinner, it’s time to announce our 2020 finalists.

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Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists whose selflessness and determination have made a difference in the community. Find out more about the work they do.

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Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists who, through their inspiration and leadership, contribute to the wellbeing of the country.

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Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists over 70 who, through their achievement and tenacity, have made the world around them a better place.

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Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists whose commitment and and passion drive our society and economy forward.

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The University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists aged 15 to 30 with passion and potential who strive to improve themselves, their communities and their nation.

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Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year 2020 Finalists

27 Jan 2020

Our judges have chosen three finalists who’ve contributed to the economic, social or environmental health of their community.

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Meet the 2020 New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists

16 Dec 2019

We are proud to introduce our 60 semi-finalists, all extraordinary Kiwis whose selflessness, creativity, and vision make us proud to call New Zealand home.

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2020 New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists

16 Dec 2019

This award honours someone who, through their inspiration and leadership, contributes to the wellbeing of the country.

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2020 Senior New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists

15 Dec 2019

This award honours someone over 70 who, through their achievement and tenacity, has made the world around them a better place. Meet our 10 semi-finalists.

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2020 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Semi-Finalists

14 Dec 2019

This award honours a person or group whose selflessness and determination have made a difference in the community. Meet our 10 semi-finalists.

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2020 New Zealand Community of the Year Semi-Finalists

14 Dec 2019

This award honours a person or group who’ve contributed to the economic, social or environmental health of their community. Meet the 10 semi-finalists.

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2020 New Zealand Innovator of the Year Semi-Finalists

14 Dec 2019

This award honours a person or group whose selflessness and passion drive our society and economy forward. Meet our 10 semi-finalists.

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2020 Young New Zealander of the Year Semi-Finalists

14 Dec 2019

This award honours a person aged 15 to 30 with passion and potential who strives to improve themselves, their communities and their nation. Meet our 10 semi-finalists.

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Media Release - 2020 New Zealander of the Year Awards Update

3 Sep 2019

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to provide the following nominations update for the 2020 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.

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Ryman Healthcare to join the New Zealander of the Year Awards

25 Jun 2019

The awards office is pleased to announce that Ryman Healthcare will join the New Zealander of the Year awards as naming rights sponsor of the Senior New Zealander of the Year category.

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Who will be the next New Zealander of the Year?

16 Feb 2017

The countdown is on for three extraordinary New Zealanders in contention for the title of 2017 New Zealander of the Year.

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WATCH The 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards LIVE

14 Feb 2017

Join MCs Toni Street and Scotty Morrison Live for one of the most inspirational nights of the year!

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Finalists for 2017 New Zealander of the Year

27 Jan 2017

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to announce three finalists being considered for the title of 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

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Shortlists for 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards!

17 Jan 2017

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to announce the 10 people being considered for the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award!

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2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala - tickets on sale!

21 Dec 2016

“This is now the fifth successive year that we have held the gala in the Great Room of the Langham. It’s a wonderfully formal, yet intimate space, offering an elegance and prestige in keeping with the Awards mantra of ‘honouring the best of us."

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Northland Local Heroes honoured for services to the community

16 Dec 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 25 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at Toll Stadium.

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Invercargill Local Heroes honoured

14 Dec 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 15 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Kelvin Hotel.

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Dunedin Local Heroes honoured for services to the community

13 Dec 2016

Dunedin City Councillor Rachel Elder was on hand to present the medals. She congratulated the recipients on their award and said that it was vital that the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they have made.

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Nelson Local Heroes honoured for services to the community

10 Dec 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 12 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at The Petite Fleur.

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Marlborough Local Heroes honoured

9 Dec 2016

Marlborough District Council Mayor John Leggett was on hand to present the medals. He congratulated the recipients on their award and said that it was vital that the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they have made.

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Canterbury Local Heroes honoured

8 Dec 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 37 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at Addington Raceway.

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Greymouth Local Heroes honoured for services to the community

7 Dec 2016

Grey District Council Mayor Tony Kokshoorn was on hand to present the medals. He congratulated the recipients on their award and said that it was vital that the community continued to acknowledge the contributions they have made.

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Wellington Local Heroes honoured

6 Dec 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 35 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held in the Banquet Hall at Parliament.

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Local Heroes honoured in the Hawke's Bay community

26 Nov 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 18 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel.

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Local Heroes honoured for services to the Manawatu community

25 Nov 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 13 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at Caccia Birch House in Palmerston North.

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Local Heroes honoured for services to the Taranaki community

24 Nov 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 20 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Devon Hotel in New Plymouth.

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Local Heroes honoured in the Bay of Plenty/ Tauranga

23 Nov 2016

As part of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2017, the 15 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at the Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui.

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Local Heroes on the East Coast honoured

22 Nov 2016

As part of the 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards, the 18 winners of the Local Heroes category were presented with their awards last night at a special medal presentation ceremony held at Bushmere Arms in Gisborne.

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Local Heroes honoured in Rotorua/Taupo community

19 Nov 2016

Everyday people doing exceptional things were the toast of the town as Rotorua honoured its very own “Local Heroes”.

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Local Heroes honoured for services to the Waikato community

18 Nov 2016

Everyday people doing exceptional things were the toast of the town last night as Waikato honoured its very own “Local Heroes”.

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New Zealander of the Year Nominations Update

28 Sep 2016

The New Zealander of the Year Awards office is pleased to provide the following nominations update for the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards.

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Olympic medallists nominated for New Zealander of the Year!

2 Sep 2016

Sept 1st, 2016 nomination update: Nominated New Zealand Olympians for 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include...

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Honouring the #BestOfUs

24 Aug 2016

For the last couple of weeks, we have been inspired by the wonderful talent of those New Zealand athletes doing us proud at the Rio Olympics. What an incredible group of people!

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Duncan Garner looks at the nominees for 2017 NZ'er of the Year

17 Aug 2016

Duncan is asking listeners "who should win the 2017 New Zealander of the Year award? His pick is....

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Helen Kelly flooded with 2017 NZ'er of the Year nominations

17 Aug 2016

Of the 185 nominations submitted for the 2017 New Zealander of the Year award, nearly half of them have gone to former president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and medical cannabis advocate, Helen Kelly.

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2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards Update

16 Aug 2016

The New Zealander of the Year Awards office is pleased to provide the following nominations update for the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards...

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Sr. NZ'er of the Year 2015, Donald Sew Hoy is in great company!

11 Aug 2016

Metlifecare, Senior New Zealander of the Year 2015, Donald Sew Hoy, has accepted the invitation to join the SuperSeniorChampions as an advocate and role model.

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Local Hero of the Year Semi-Finalist 2015, Billie Jordan

3 Aug 2016

Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year semi-finalist 2015, Billie Jordan founded the oldest hip-hoppers dance group in the world. The tale of this incredible Kiwi woman has been bought by a Hollywood producer.

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Dates & Locations announced for Local Hero Presentations

1 Aug 2016

The New Zealander of the Year Awards is looking forward to recognising our Local Hero's in the regions!

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Young NZ'er of the Year Parris Goebel up for MTV Award

27 Jul 2016

The University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year winner 2014, Parris Goebel is up for a MTV Video Music Award.

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NZ INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR 2016, HYVAN ANAESTHESIA ARTICLE

19 Jul 2016

Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year winner 2016, HYVAN Anaesthesia Ltd. and their machine that will transform lives.

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Guy Ryan talks about young change makers

12 Jul 2016

2015 University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year Guy Ryan, founder of Inspiring Stories helps young people to realise their potential as changemakers for a better future, through Festival for the Future, Live the Dream and other programmes.

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Sentiments of New Zealand

5 Jul 2016

There has already been much said and written about Iceland’s performance at Euro 2016, many of these comments being at the expense of my hapless England team, but, away from the football, what has resonated with me is the similarity in national attitudes.

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2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards Winners

23 Feb 2016

Join us in congratualting our amazing 2016 Winners. Also a special mention to all the finalists in each category, unfortunatley there can only be one winner. But our finalists are all outstanding New Zealanders, doing great things for our country.

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Richie McCaw - New Zealander of the Year Finalist

9 Feb 2016

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner talks about leadership, the people who inspire him, and his passion for enabling more Kiwi kids to participate in sport.

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Rob Fenwick - New Zealander of the Year Finalist

9 Feb 2016

He puts his ability to influence change in so many areas down to his tactic of “starting with a bold idea and trying to persuade people to join you”.

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Louise Nicholas - New Zealander of the Year Finalist

9 Feb 2016

“I chose to speak out because of the other survivors who made contact with me and said, ‘Can you help?’ I didn’t want anyone else to go through what I’d been through”.

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2016 Finalists Announced

27 Jan 2016

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to announce the three people being considered for 2016’s Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award.

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Semi Finalists 2016 Announced

28 Dec 2015

The New Zealander of the Year 2016 Awards Office is pleased to announce the 10 people being considered for the 2016 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year award.

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Local Hero Medal Presentations concluded

14 Dec 2015

What an amazing four weeks it has been, travelling close to 8000 kilometres of our beautiful country, and meeting the outstanding New Zealanders.

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More Photos – and One More Week!

4 Dec 2015

Of the sixteen in total Local Hero Medal Presentations we are doing throughout the country, we are nearly at the end. With only one week to go, and four more presentations to do.

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Kiwibank Local Hero Medal Presentation Photos

26 Nov 2015

Photos from the first lot of Kiwibank Local Hero medal presentations are now on our Facebook Page.

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Nominee Spotlight: SuperGrans - Community of the Year

16 Oct 2015

Our next Nominee Spotlight is – the SuperGrans, who have been nominated for the Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year. To find out more about this group of older ‘grans’, younger ‘grans’ and even some ‘non-grans’ doing great things, keep reading!

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Nominee Spotlight: Rae Te Nahu -Local Hero

14 Oct 2015

Rae Te Nahu is the secretary of the Whangawehi Catchment Management Group a group which works to enhance the Whangawehi stream and its biodiversity.

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So with the nomination phase of the awards now closed, what’s next?

9 Oct 2015

Firstly, we have to say a HUGE thank-you to everyone that took the time to make nominations for this year’s awards. We are blown away by the number of nominations, with an amazing 22% increase on last year’s total - a great result!

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Should the New Zealander of the Year come from Gisborne?

12 Aug 2015

MAYOR Meng Foon has challenged Gisborne residents to make the 2016 New Zealander of the Year a local person. "These people are the pillars of our community. They represent the best of us and make Gisborne/East Coast a much better place to live in".

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The New Zealander of the Year Awards - Our TV Ad!

12 Aug 2015

Who's spotted us pop up on the TV? Thanks to the help of TVNZ we have a brand spanking new TV Commercial featuring Scotty Morrison and Jacquie Brown that we think is pretty cool! Have a watch and let us know what you think.

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Guy Ryan - Young New Zealander of the Year, wants YOU to Nominate!

16 Jul 2015

Guy Ryan The University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year for 2015, has something to say!

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Our Fresh New Look – New Zealander of the Year Awards

3 Jul 2015

As you probably have noticed, we’ve made a few changes! With a brand spanking new logo, website design, colour palette with varying shapes and patterns, and a new tagline/motto.

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Sharing the Harvest — Manawatu

25 Jun 2015

Mitre 10 Community of the Year finalists Community Fruit Harvest, are an organisation which picks and distributes excess produce grown within communities. Coming into citrus season, the Manawatu sector of the national organisation is looking for volunteer

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Metlifecare talk about their involvement in the Senior New Zealander of the Year Award

24 Jun 2015

Metlifecare CEO - Alan Edwards talks to the New Zealander of the Year office about why, and what it means to sponsor the 'Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year' category for the New Zealander of the Year Awards.

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Tabby Besley receives Queens Young Leader Award

16 Jun 2015

2015 University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year semi-finalist Tabby Besley joins an elite group of 60 young leaders, selected from across the Commonwealth, to be honoured at the inaugural Queens Young Leader Awards.

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