Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to announce the semi-finalists in six categories for the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa set to take place on 31 March 2021.
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa semi-finalist for 2021 are:
Farid Ahmed (Christchurch)
Tiny Deane (Rotorua)
Chris Farrelly (Auckland)
Masjid An-Nur Imam Gamal Fouda (Christchurch)
Craig Hudson (Auckland)
Scotty Morrison (Auckland)
Ranjna Patel (Auckland)
Dr Sean Simpson (Auckland)
Melissa Vining (Southland)
Dr Siouxsie Wiles (Auckland)
Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru – Patron of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards says, “It has been an extraordinary past year – one which has challenged us beyond what we thought possible. Despite that, New Zealanders across Aotearoa have stepped up to act as ‘pou,’ as support and strength for whānau, for communities, for our country and beyond. It’s an honour and a privilege to play a role in acknowledging the achievements of our semi-finalists. Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa.”
The annual Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards are in their 12th year. The Awards celebrate Kiwi from all walks of life; those who inspire, give hope and lead across the six different Award categories. The Awards encourage New Zealanders to honour extraordinary Kiwi; those who use their passion to make Aotearoa a better place.
The Awards Office received a record number of nominations in 2020 to be rigorously evaluated by at least two rounds of independent and diverse judging panels. A significant number of these nominations were for Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health, however when contacted, Dr Bloomfield’s office responded to say although humbled, he wishes not to be considered for the Award given his primary role as a public servant. In a statement from his office he said, “He wishes the candidates well and says he will be watching with interest on the night.”
Three finalists will be announced for the six Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearo categories on Monday 1 March, with winners announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala Dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 31 March 2021.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year award are: Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand (2020), Mike King (2019), Kristine Bartlett (2018), Taika Waititi (2017), Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
Other Category Semi-Finalists for 2021:
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātātahi o Te Tau
Dr Zhiyan Basharati (Christchurch)
Lucy Blakiston (Wellington)
Sarah Colcord (Auckland)
Madeleine de Young (Auckland)
Brianna Fruean (Auckland)
Arizona Leger (Auckland)
Pania Newton (Auckland)
Alana Scott (Waikato)
Chlöe Swarbrick (Auckland)
Jazz Thornton (Auckland)
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātāpuputu o Te Tau
Robert Tuahuru Edwards (Ōpōtiki)
Graham Roy Falla (Auckland)
Jacqueline Grant (Hokitika)
Nigel Hampton QC (Canterbury)
Alexandra Mary Raine (Lexie) Matheson (Auckland)
Desmond Smith (Wellington)
Alison Nan McLellan (Auckland)
Hare Williams (Auckland)
Dr Doug Wilson (Taupō)
Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year – Te Pou Whakairo O Te Tau
Canaan Aumua (Auckland)
Emily Blythe (Christchurch)
Sarah Colcord (Auckland)
Kami: Bob Drummond, Alliv Samson, Jordan Thoms, Henjie Wang (Auckland)
James Hayes (Christchurch)
Shama Lee (Auckland)
Ranjna Patel (Auckland)
Craig Piggott (Auckland)
Hīria te Rangi (Wellington)
Carmen Vicelich (Auckland)
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o Te Tau
Baby Loss NZ (Auckland)
Christchurch Mosque Victims Group (Christchurch)
I Have a Dream Charitable Trust (Whangarei)
Manaaki (Auckland)
Queenstown Lakes District Covid-19 Welfare (Otago)
Seasons For Growth (Nationwide)
SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty Charitable (Bay of Plenty)
Te Puea Memorial Marae Indigenous Homeless Service Delivery Model (Auckland)
Trees That Count (Wellington)
University of Canterbury Student Volunteer Army (Christchurch)
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o Te Tau
Amal Abdullahi (Wellington)
Jignal Bhagvandas (Auckland)
Mataio Brown (Christchurch)
Aigagalefili Fepulea’i-Tapua’i (Auckland)
Josh Hickford (New Plymouth)
Carolyn Press-McKenzie (Wellington)
Danika Revell (Auckland)
Mustafa Sheikh (Auckland)
Shannon Te Huia (Waikato)
Makasini Tulimaiau (Auckland)
For more information on the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa semi-finalists please visit www.nzawards.org.nz.
Background
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa honours the achievements and contributions of an inspirational Kiwi who has made a big, positive contribution to our country this year. Their pursuit of excellence can be in any area; science, business, the arts, cultural or community involvement, te Ao Māori, sport, education, and health. Their achievements have positive effects on how we feel about our nation and ourselves.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand (2020), Mike King (2019), Kristine Bartlett (2018), Taika Waititi (2017), Richie McCaw (2016), Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
Trade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year Award – Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau recognises a person or group who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have created a better New Zealand.
Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau recognises a rōpū – group of people that together have made an outstanding difference to their community this year. They foster a strong sense of Kotahitanga – community spirit and their achievements enhance the social, economic, cultural or environmental prosperity of their rohe – region making it stronger and more vibrant.
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātātahi o te Tau recognises a young person brimming with the potential to bring about change and produce a bright future for Aotearoa, striving across the last year to improve themselves and their whole community.
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau recognises those who have made a positive contribution to our great nation later in their life. This award gives New Zealanders of all ages the opportunity to express their appreciation and admiration for the achievements of our Senior New Zealander’s over the past year.
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award – Te Pou Toko o te Tau recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local hapori – communities over the past year. This award acknowledges the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of kiwi who have selflessly worked to make their local hapori a better place.
