The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa honour those who use their passion to make our country a better place. The awards recognise a diverse range of Kiwi making a difference. Whether they’re aged 15 or 100, they’re contributing to grassroots communities or putting New Zealand on the world stage, they inspire us all.
Off the back of Professor Rangi Mātāmua receiving the honour of Kiwibank New Zealander of The Year for 2023, this year’s awards are set to live up to the high standard of celebration and further recognise Aotearoa’s leaders, innovators and game changers.
Any member of the public can nominate an individual or community organisation in the Awards programme. Nominations for the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa open tomorrow (25 July 2023) and close on 31 August 2023. 10 semi-finalists in each of the seven awards are announced December 2023, with three finalists announced February 2024. The winners will be announced mid-March 2024 at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Dinner.
Nominations can be made in one or more of the seven award categories: For individuals:
● Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa
● University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau
● Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātapuputu o te Tau
● Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau
● Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau
● Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiai o te Tau
For duos or groups:
● Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau
Each category will have one award winner selected from three finalists. All New Zealand citizens 15 years of age and over are eligible to be nominated for the Awards.
The regional and national judging panels include sector leaders, independent experts, community leaders and representatives of the awards sponsors.
Have your say, nominate now at nzawards.org.nz.
Nominations close on 31 August 2023.
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.
Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Award – Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau recognises a person who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have created a better New Zealand.
Mitre 10 New Zealand 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.
Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year – Te Toa Taiao o te Tau recognises the people ensuring the future of our environment. These are the ones who have made a remarkable contribution to restoring our environment and/or protecting our unique species.
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.
