Sir Paul Callaghan
New Zealander of the Year
2011
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Sir Paul Callaghan
Sir Paul is a world leading scientist in the fields of nanotechnology* and magnetic resonance. His work has put him and New Zealand on the international stage and his mantelpiece features an array of honours for his endeavours, including a Knighthood for services to science and NZ′s highest scientific honour, the Rutherford Medal.
As a proponent of bringing science to the people of New Zealand Sir Paul has left no stone unturned to achieve this. He has appeared in radio, print, television, guest lecturers and other personal appearances simply trying to put forth science in a way that everyone can relate to. Of particular note is Sir Paul′s contribution to Te Reo Physics, a website that introduces the concepts of physics in Maori to secondary school students.
Sir Paul is passionate advocate for addressing and finding ways to reverse the overseas ′brain drain′. In his view, widening New Zealand′s economic growth engines can be achieved by using science and technology to create industry that is ′world class and home grown′.
In recent years, he has been at the forefront of connecting science and business. His 2009 book Wool to Weta challenges traditional economic thinking and advocates for the potential of science and technology entrepreneurship to diversify our economic success. He puts forward his vision of a future New Zealand where the use of science, technology and intellectual property can provide economic prosperity for the entire country and free New Zealand from simply being a producer of biological commodities.
Sir Paul believes that if we are to attain economic diversification through these avenues New Zealand can reverse the brain drain and make our country the place young people choose to build their careers and raise their families while preserving our natural environment and enriching our communities and culture.
Despite battling an aggressive cancer Sir Paul is still as committed as ever to his passion for science and his vision for New Zealand to literally become “the most beautiful, stimulating and exciting place to live and work in the world.”
* Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. It may be able to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in medicine, electronics, biomaterials and energy production.
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?
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