Tā Tipene O′Regan
New Zealander of the Year
2022
Kiwibank
New Zealander of the Year
Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
Tā Tipene O′Regan
2022 is a special year for Tā Tipene, marking 25 years since he successfully led the negotiation of one of Aotearoa New Zealand′s first iwi settlements, Te Kerēme. Since then, he has continually worked to unite New Zealanders across the divides: bringing people together across government and business, academia and education, social and corporate, wealthy and poor, Māori and pakeha, North and South. In a year where the world has seen much divide, Tā Tipene continues to bring energy to the social and political fabric of Aotearoa.
Carving a path through history, Tā Tipene has been relentless in his pursuit for equity and justice. He is one of our most respected and admired kaumātua, orators and teachers. And after a lifetime of work, he has hugely strengthened Ngāi Tahu′s ownership of its own past, while helping to build a future-focused iwi. His profound belief in the principles of Te Tiriti, The Treaty of Waitangi, have lead him to focus a huge amount of his effort on the place of the Treaty for all peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, not just Māori. His articulation of those ideas has resonated widely across our nation.
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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