Mike King

New Zealander of the Year

2019

Kiwibank

New Zealander of the Year

Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

Mike King

Forthright and passionate, mental health advocate Mike King shines much-needed light on the issues of depression, alcohol and drug abuse and suicide in New Zealand.

By drawing on his personal experiences, Mike has shown leadership, courage and empathy to vulnerable people − particularly Māori, children and young people − throughout the country.

The most prestigious national award in the Awards Programme, honouring people for their outstanding impact and contribution to our country. With unwavering dedication and a deep commitment, these remarkable people are those New Zealand is proud to call their own.

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 2025 Kiwibank 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?