Simran Kaur
Young New Zealander of the Year
2024
University of Canterbury
Young New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātātahi o te Tau
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?
Simran Kaur
Simran Kaur is the founder of Girls That Invest, a media company that has grown into an online phenomenon, helping millions of women learn how to invest and, unapologetically, make money. With only 15-25% of women investing (and men worldwide typically holding 50% more wealth than women) Simran and is on a mission to even the playing field: making the world of investing less intimidating for women. And the appetite for this mahi was clear – Girls That Invest has amassed over 6M downloads and has become the world’s #1 investing podcast for women, with over listeners in over 150 countries. Beyond the podcast, Simran has published a best-selling book that topped charts in the USA, Canada, UK and New Zealand, along with her 350,000 strong social media following and over 5000 students in over 60 countries. Simran is a 2023 Forbes 30 under 30 Honouree (Asia), a UoA 40 under 40 and has been featured in TEDx US, Vogue, Business Insider and Oxford Women in Business.
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winners
Championing
Young New Zealander of the Year
Professor Cheryl De La Rey
University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Tumu Whakarae
“We purposefully support the development, growth and success of young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to empowering young New Zealanders to make a difference as the world continues to face complex challenges. UC is pleased to celebrate these young leaders and support their success as they make a positive impact in their communities."
