Sir Richard Taylor
New Zealander of the Year
2012
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Sir Richard Taylor
Richard Taylor is the co-founder of the Wētā companies and co-owner of Wētā Workshop, along with his wife Tania Rodger, who established their business in their home city of Wellington in New Zealand.
With more than thirty years’ experience working in the world’s creative industries, Richard is the CEO and Creative Director of this award-winning company. As a passionate creative at the core of Wētā Workshop, Richard collaborates each day with his colleagues and friends across a diverse range of artistic and technical disciplines. With 350 crew across five businesses, the Workshop has grown to become a multifaceted, creativity focused company.
Richard has won five Academy Awards© across three disciplines, for special effects makeup, visual effects, and costume design. He has also received four BAFTAs, two THEA Awards and more than 30 national and international awards for his work within the creative industries. In 2010 Richard was made a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to film, and voted New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year.
Richard and Tania are patrons of the Little Miracles Trust and are heavily involved in the Wellington community, giving their time to charity projects and initiatives. WētāWorkshop has provided the design and physical effects for more than 120 films, numerous
television shows, and multiple location-based experiences.Richard and Tania co-own children’s IP and television production company Pukeko Pictures, as well as co-own Stardog LP, a fine art and IP development company that helps young people within their team to realise their own creative endeavours.
television shows, and multiple location-based experiences.Richard and Tania co-own children’s IP and television production company Pukeko Pictures, as well as co-own Stardog LP, a fine art and IP development company that helps young people within their team to realise their own creative endeavours.
Most recently Richard and the team at Workshop have been working in emerging technology arenasand are collaborating in two metaverse projects for their clients.
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
