Professor Rangi Mātāmua ONZM
New Zealander of the Year
2023
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Professor Rangi Mātāmua ONZM
Not many people can say they′ve led the formation of a national public holiday; but renowned Māori scholar, Professor Rangi Mātāmua (Tūhoe) ONZM is one of them. Shortly after joining Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, School of Māori Knowledge as Professor of Mātauranga Māori in September 2021, he was shoulder tapped by the Prime Minister to be Chief Advisor Matariki and Mātauranga Māori, as the Government explored the creation of a new public holiday. For Mātāmua, this was more than a once in a lifetime opportunity − it was a chance to connect New Zealanders with te ao Māori, and in particular our shared environmental responsibility (each of the stars in Matariki are associated with different parts of the environment). Our first Matariki holiday was a landmark moment for Aotearoa, but also for Mātāmua; who has dedicated his career to sharing traditional Māori astronomy knowledge.
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:
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- 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.
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?
2025
Finalists
Previous
winners
Championing
New Zealander of the Year
Steve Jurkovich
Kiwibank Chief Executive
“We’re proud to champion a modern, progressive, diverse Aotearoa and the Kiwi recognised through the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards epitomise this. This is an important platform to recognise the mahi, grit and vision of the game-changing, innovative leaders who are working to make Aotearoa a better place for all of us.”
