1st September 2016 - Olympic medallists nominated for New Zealander of the Year
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.
The best ever performance of New Zealand’s Olympic team has not only earned the athletes top medals but also nominations for the top honour of 2017 New Zealander of the Year. Nominations have been received for seven of New Zealand’s Rio 2016 Olympians.
- 224 nominations have been received for the New Zealander of the Year Award.
- Former president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Helen Kelly has received the most nominations with 99 nominations.
Nominated New Zealand Olympians for 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include:
- Valerie Adams, silver medallist in shot put
- Hamish Bond, gold medallist in rowing
- Lisa Carrington, double medallist (gold and bronze) in kayaking
- Nikki Hamblin, for sportsmanship
- Lydia Ko, silver medallist in golf
- Eliza McCartney, bronze medallist in pole vault
- Eric Murray, gold medallist in rowing
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:
These Olympic athletes join a growing list of inspiring New Zealanders nominated for the country’s ultimate accolade.
The attributes of a New Zealander of the Year align with the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence. These are the values displayed by many New Zealanders everyday but these fine individuals remain unrecognised unless people submit a nomination.
Nominations close at the end of this month and there is no better time than now to recognise the New Zealanders doing great things for our country.
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
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.
