Richie McCaw
New Zealander of the Year
2016
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Richie McCaw
Richie McCaw is among the finest captains and players in rugby history. His passionate Kiwi spirit has made him one of New Zealand′s most beloved sporting figures.
In his 14-year professional rugby career McCaw has achieved unrivalled success as a leader and inspirational player. He has led Canterbury provincial, Crusaders Super rugby and All Blacks teams to top-flight success.
As All Blacks captain, McCaw won two Rugby World Cups (2011 and 2015), 10 Bledisloe Cups, four Tri Nations titles and three Rugby Championship trophies. His 148 matches for the All Blacks make him the most capped player of all time, winning 89% of the games in which he played. He captained the All Blacks on a record 111 occasions, leading the team to victory on 98 occasions.
McCaw was named International Rugby Board Player of the Year a record three times, having been nominated on eight occasions.
Off the field Richie devotes much of his time to helping other Kiwis. He has fundraised for the Christchurch rebuild and Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. As patron of the Catwalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, McCaw helped raise $200,000 for research into the development of a cure for spinal cord injury.
In 2009, McCaw and fellow All Blacks Dan Carter and Ali Williams set up the For Everyone Charity. Now called iSPORT, it works with schools, and local, regional and national sporting bodies to support young sportspeople and teams to succeed in their chosen fields. It provides a platform for individuals and community sports groups to raise money for essential items such as kit, uniforms, boots, equipment and travel. iSPORT has also recently partnered with Paralympics New Zealand to help young disabled Kiwis excel in sport.
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.
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?
Previous
winners
