Nominations Are Open!

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.

We're talking about the pillars of our communities, the environmental warriors, our volunteers, our innovators. Let’s gather round and celebrate the remarkable Kiwi from every walk of life – those that inspire, lead and give. They’re resourceful, they’re game-changers, and they’re counting on you.

There’s an award category for them all.

• Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
• University of Canterbury Young New Zealander Te Mātātahi o te Tau
• Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
• Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
• Department of Conservation and Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau
• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko te Tau

Who's ensuring the future of our environment?

“We are proud and excited to launch The Department of Conservation and Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Award Te Toa Taiao o te Tau. The Awards have always strived to embody who we are as a people and as a nation. It feels right to recognise those who are fighting tirelessly for te taiao - our natural environment.
This award has been a long time in the making, and we can’t wait  to recognise and celebrate some of the incredibly deserving people fighting at the frontlines for our whenua.”

Miriama Kamo
Te Koruru Patron

You asked for it, and we listened. It's time to recognise a remarkable individual or group who is putting in the hard yards to protect and restore the unique species and natural environment of Aotearoa.

The Department of Conservation and The Ministry for the Environment have joined forces with the New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa to make a new award category possible: 

Department of Conservation and Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau.

Do you know an environmental warrior taking tangible action to restore Aotearoa? It's time to make sure they tick all the boxes. 

Here's what to consider:

• Those who have taken positive action, with proven impact, towards the conservation, restoration and protection of the natural environment of Aotearoa. 
• Who, or what, benefits from the mahi, contribution or influence of the nominee - and how? 

Get ahead of the bunch. Nominations close at 11:59 PM Tuesday 31 August 2021.