Divya Dhar
Young New Zealander of the Year
2010
University of Canterbury
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Divya Dhar
Divya Dhar is a New Zealand doctor, entrepreneur, and advocate for social change. A graduate of the University of Auckland’s medical program, she founded HealtheX, a platform connecting health researchers and students, and played a key role in sending New Zealand’s first delegation to the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association, where she championed climate and health initiatives.
Divya’s leadership extends beyond medicine. She co-founded the P3 Foundation to combat poverty in the Asia-Pacific and served as Vice President of the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association, influencing government policy to support young doctors in underserved areas. Her humanitarian work includes organizing Oxfam campaigns, building homes in Costa Rica, and raising significant funds for global charities.
With an MBA from Wharton and an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School, Divya is also the co-founder and CEO of Seratis, a healthcare technology start-up. Her career exemplifies a commitment to innovation, advocacy, and making a meaningful impact globally.
The leaders of tomorrow, brimming with the potential to build a bright future for Aotearoa. These people strive to improve themselves, their communities, and their nation.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be aged between 15-30 years, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
- 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 the 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 2025 University of Canterbury 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?
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