New Zealander of the Year Nominations 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.

This update comes ahead of the awards nominations closing date on Friday 30th September.

• 316 nominations have been received for the New Zealander of the Year title.
• Former president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Helen Kelly has received the most nominations with 102 nominations.
• Other nominated New Zealanders for 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include:
• Mere Berryman – for services to Maori Education
• Dame Sian Elias – Chief Justice of New Zealand
• Sir David Fagan – Sheep shearing legend
• Sam Hunt – Poet
• Nigel Latta – Psychologist and author
• Nadia Lim – Chef and entrepreneur
• Taika Waititi – Director and actor
• Karen Walker – Fashion designer
• Dr Siouxsi Wiles – Microbiologist

After nominations close, 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

To see the breadth of achievement and contribution of these nominees in such a range of sectors makes me very proud to live in New Zealand.

We have individuals influencing the fields of medicine, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports, politics and much more. These people are influencers on a national scale, but their reach extends into some of New Zealand’s smallest towns and regions.

Nominations for the Awards close on Friday and we are still looking for nominations in all six Awards categories. Make sure you get your nominations in for the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards before you miss out.

Other Categories

Nominations are also being sought for exceptional New Zealanders in the following categories:

• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years)
• Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year (60 years and over)
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
• Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year

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.