Sue Paterson
Senior New Zealander of the Year
2017
Ryman Healthcare
Senior New Zealander of the Year
Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau
Sue Paterson
Sue Paterson was a legend in the dance and arts sector in New Zealand from her beginnings as the manager of Limbs Dance Company to her taking the reins at the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company and more recently at the New Zealand Festival where, as the Executive Director, she has built the festival into an event that bought more than $100 million into Wellington last year.
She was inspirational with positivity, enthusiasm and brilliance as an arts manager creating enormous impact in leading New Zealand arts organisations, producing astonishing financial turnarounds, audience growth and clever programming with great ideas and a great understanding and experience of touring New Zealand, successfully delivering four New Zealand Festivals, five Jazz Festivals, four Lexus Song Quests and the exceptionally successful Edinburgh Tattoo.
Sue had belief in the arts and was patient, creating better lives for those who participate and witness great art a true taonga of the arts, a passionate woman of influence and a proud New Zealander.
Unfortunately Sue passed away not long after receiving her Award.
Creating a legacy for tomorrow, these people have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in their life, following their careers in any service, sector or field. They are actively involved in making the world around them a better place.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations on 24 July 2024.
- Have had significant impact in their senior years
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age
- 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 later in life to inspire you to nominate them as 2025 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau. - 10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how? - 10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age. - 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 following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back? - 10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured? - 10 points: LEGACY
How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?
