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

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!

And to all the nominee’s, congratulations on being nominated! Regardless of the result, to be nominated is still a huge accomplishment. Being nominated, is both recognition and thanks for your contribution and achievement. You inspire those around you, and make our country a better place, so keep doing what you!

The next step, in the awards programme is judging, starting with the Local Hero category. As we speak we have judges throughout New Zealand judging the Local Hero nominations. They have the difficult and unenviable task of determining the recipients of the Kiwibank Local Hero Medals, to be presented at 16 regional medal presentation ceremonies, beginning in Mid-November – for dates and details of these, please keep an eye on our website as we will release them shortly.

At the completion of the Local Hero judging, the category judging followed by the executive judging begins. The Top 10 semifinalists, in each category, will be named on December 30, with the top 3 finalists being announced on January 20.

The category winners will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Presentation night to be held at Auckland’s Langham Hotel on February 17th, 2016.

The Gala is a night to celebrate the entire award programme, congratulate the nominees, the semi-finalists and finalists. It is a not to be missed night that is inspirational and uplifting yet tempered by a genuine sense of humility. Tickets for this event, will go on sale in mid-December and details on how you can purchase those will be released via our web and facebook pages.

So another couple busy few months for us here in the Awards Office!

Make sure to keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information and updates.