Sir Rod Drury

New Zealander of the Year

Finalist

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

View all New Zealander of the Year 2026 Finalists

Sir Rod Drury

Sir Rod Drury (Ngāi Tahu), pioneering entrepreneur and founder of Xero, continues to shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s technology landscape through innovation, investment, and mentorship. Rod is driving sustainable, future-focused innovation while empowering a new generation of Kiwi tech leaders to think boldly and globally. More recently has been focussed on venture philanthropy and funding a significant number of public good infrastructure projects.

Beyond his business achievements, Rod’s leadership and philanthropy have left a lasting imprint on New Zealand’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognised as EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, and an inductee into the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame, he continues to give back through mentorship, investment, and community initiatives. His legacy is one of vision and generosity – proving that success and service can grow together.

Our most prestigious honour. This award celebrates a New Zealander whose leadership is driving progress for Aotearoa – someone whose actions earn the trust of communities and inspire a sense of possibility across the motu. Their impact is lasting and profound.

Nominees of this Award must:

- Be an individual that – through their achievements – has made an outstanding contribution to our country.
- Have had significant impact on Aotearoa, particularly over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.

Award Criteria

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, particularly over the past 12 months, to nominate them as the New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa.
10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how?
10 points: LEADERSHIP:
How does this person set a positive example for other fellow New Zealanders.
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: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & INNOVATIVE THINKING:
How thoughtful, creative, and unique is this person’s approach to their challenge, opportunity, or situation?
10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence? How is has this been measured?
10 points: LONG-TERM IMPACT:
If known, how does this person 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?