16 Aug 2016
2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards Update
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.
After nominations close on 30 September 2016, a judging panel – comprising representatives of awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts – will evaluate the nominations. The shortlist of 10 candidates to be considered for the New Zealander of the Year Award will be announced in December.
Comment from Glyn Taylor, Manager - New Zealander of the Year Awards Office
This year New Zealanders are really getting into the spirit of celebrating the best of us. It is inspiring to read the nominations for individuals from all areas of endeavour, achievement and charity.
Many of these nominations are connected to issues of great importance to New Zealanders. The housing crisis has seen nominations through for both chairman of Te Puea Marae Hurimoana Dennis and national director of social policy for The Salvation Army Major Campbell Roberts. The two men behind the successful crowdfunding campaign for Awaroa Beach have also been nominated.
Without a nomination, we cannot consider these Kiwis for the New Zealander of the Year title. If you know someone doing great things for New Zealand or for your community then make sure you get a nomination in before 30 September.
Other Categories
Nominations are also being sought for exceptional New Zealanders in the following categories:
Background
The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are now in their eighth year. They recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand's most vital asset - its people. They’re open to all New Zealanders and celebrate the contributions of New Zealanders from all walks of life.
The 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in Auckland in February next year.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
More information on the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be found at www.nzawards.org.nz.
Contact information
Media contact: Nicky Barton, 027 306 0603
Editors Notes
Award Categories Descriptions
The New Zealander of the Year
The most prestigious national award. It honours people for their contribution to the well-being of New Zealand. Proven, inspirational and passionate, these are the people that New Zealanders are proud to call their own.
Young New Zealander of the Year
These are the leaders of tomorrow who are already showing great promise. They are the ones who are striving to improve themselves, their communities and/or their nation.
Senior New Zealander of the Year
These are the people who have shown sustained excellence in their field. They are the ones with a lifetime of achievement behind them but are still actively involved in making the world around them a better place.
New Zealand Innovator of the Year
These are the game changers in their field. Those who have used their insight and their passion to make an impact. They are the ones who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have created a better NZ.
New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
These are individuals who have made a positive difference in their community. They show selflessness and determination to make a difference, sometimes in the face of personal adversity.
New Zealand Community of the Year
These are communities who display the best of community spirit. They have significantly contributed to the economic, social or environmental health of their areas or region. Their services have made a lasting impact on the community they serve.
Nicky Barton
PR Consultant
04 499 6940
0273 060 603
Lv. 12 City Chambers
142 Featherston Street
Wellington
