Sir Richard Taylor KNZM 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.
Our most prestigious honour. This award celebrates a New Zealander whose leadership is driving progress for Aotearoa – someone whose actions earn the trust of communities and inspire a sense of possibility across the motu. Their impact is lasting and profound.
Nominees of this Award must:
Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:
2025
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