Lucy Blakiston
Young New Zealander of the Year
2026
Go Media
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Lucy Blakiston
Lucy Blakiston is a dynamic storyteller and changemaker from Marlborough, best known as the Founder and CEO of Shit You Should Care About (SYSCA) – one of the world’s most influential youth-led media platforms. What began as a small passion project in her bedroom has become a trusted news and commentary source for millions of young people globally. With over three million Instagram followers and a fast-growing daily newsletter, Lucy’s work empowers rangatahi to engage with current issues in an accessible, informed, and empathetic way.
Beyond digital media, Lucy has co-authored Make It Make Sense, a guidebook helping young people navigate the complexities of modern life. Signed by Hollywood’s oldest talent agency, WME, she continues to expand her reach while staying grounded in her Aotearoa New Zealand roots. Lucy Blakiston is inspiring a generation to care deeply, think critically, and act with heart.
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?
2026
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