Sam Judd
Young New Zealander of the Year
2013
University of Canterbury
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Sam Judd
Sam Judd is an award-winning environmental leader and co-founder of Sustainable Coastlines, a globally recognized charity dedicated to protecting coastlines and regenerating natural ecosystems. Under Sam’s leadership, the organization has educated over 250,000 people, mobilized communities to plant more than 160,000 native trees, and removed over 1.7 million liters of rubbish from coastlines.
Sam spearheaded the development of the Flagship Education Centre on Auckland’s waterfront, one of New Zealand’s most sustainable buildings, earning global recognition with the prestigious Energy Globe Award. His impact was further acknowledged in 2013 when he was named Young New Zealander of the Year.
Now focused on expanding environmental initiatives internationally, Sam works as a strategic advisor to social and environmental ventures, develops executive partnerships, and serves as a board member for various nonprofit organizations.
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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