Léon Bristow
Young New Zealander of the Year
Finalist
Go Media
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Léon Bristow
Léon Bristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hāmoa) is a creative leader using storytelling and design as tools for inclusion, equity, and change. Diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at age 11, which resulted in permanent blindness and epilepsy, and then a second brain tumour at 27, Léon has transformed personal challenges into purpose. As an Art Director at Colenso BBDO and Founder of BEINGS – a groundbreaking casting platform championing diversity in the creative industry – Léon is reshaping how stories are told and who gets to tell them.
At just 29, Léon has become one of the most recognised young creatives in the world. Ranked the 4th Best Art Director globally at Cannes Lions and the first New Zealander in a decade accepted into the Cannes Lions 30 Under 30 Creative Academy, Léon’s accolades reflect both vision and impact. Through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive creativity, Léon is creating space for others to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
At just 29, Léon has become one of the most recognised young creatives in the world. Ranked the 4th Best Art Director globally at Cannes Lions and the first New Zealander in a decade accepted into the Cannes Lions 30 Under 30 Creative Academy, Léon’s accolades reflect both vision and impact. Through mentorship, advocacy, and inclusive creativity, Léon is creating space for others to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Recognising young leaders aged 15 to 30 whose ideas, energy, and commitment are transforming Aotearoa. These are the rangatahi challenging the status quo, lifting up others, and laying the groundwork for a more connected, inclusive, and ambitious future.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be aged between 15-30 years, at the open of nominations in July.
- Have had significant positive impact over the past 12 months.
- Be a role model for young New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
- 10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done to inspire you over the past year to nominate them as the Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from this person’s work, contribution, or influence – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP:
How does this person set a positive example for other young people and showing them the potential for change. - 10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond to show leadership, create change, and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
If known, how does the nominee plan to grow and/or adapt their work, contribution, or influence in the future? How would winning this award impact this person and the work that they are doing?
2025
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