The New Zealander of the Year Awards team announces the Semi-Finalists in seven categories for the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.
From thousands of nominations, these remarkable New Zealanders stood out; identified by an independent judging panel as upholding the mana and spirit of this much-loved awards programme. These semi-finalists have continuously sparked joy and impact across the motu.
After a few years of uncertainty, 2023 has marked a unique year for Aotearoa. Through change and re-navigation, as a nation, we’ve had a rare opportunity to look inwards and move in a new direction. Focusing our attention to the challenges and opportunities that exist right here on our shores.
The annual Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate Kiwi from all walks of life; those who inspire, give hope and lead across seven Award categories.
Earlier this year, the Awards team called on New Zealanders to honour extraordinary Kiwi, those who use their passion to make Aotearoa a better place, by casting a nomination. Thousands of nominations were then rigorously evaluated by an independent and diverse judging panel, and the 10 Semi-Finalists per category were selected.
All Semi-Finalists go on for consideration in the next round of judging, where they are carefully whittled down to just three finalists in each Award category, to be announced on 21 February 2024. Award winners will be revealed at the New Zealander of the Year Awards night, set to take place on Wednesday 27 March 2024 at the Auckland Viaduct Event Centre.
Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank Chief Executive, emphasises the significance of celebrating these contributions, stating, “If there has ever been a time to celebrate those who’ve made outstanding contributions to the well-being of our country, it’s now. It is a real privilege to honour the creativity, selflessness, and visionary people that help make us proud to call Aotearoa home.”
To learn more about the 2024 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa
Let us continue to celebrate and uplift the stories of these individuals who contribute to making New Zealand a better place for all.
For more information visit nzawards.org.nz and via Instagram at @nzawards
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa In alphabetical order
● Blair Jamieson
● David Letele
● Haehaetu Barrett
● Jim Salinger
● Kiri Nathan
● Lee Timutimu
● Linda Tuhiwai Smith
● Rachel Smalley
● Sarai Bareman
● Sir Wayne Smith
_________
University of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Bariz Shah
● Cha’nel Kaa-Luke
● Ihorangi Reweti Peters
● Josiah Tualamali’i
● Julia Arnott-Neenee
● Keegan Jones
● Maia Tipene
● Simran Kaur
● Tayla Naismit
● Te Matahiapo Hynes
_________
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Bob Francis
● Douglas Wingfield ‘Scotty’
● Gary Dalton
● Jeet Suchdev
● Ken Keys
● Jim Salinger
● Patricia Allen
● Mani Mitchell MNZM
● Neill Simpson
● Robert McGowan
_________
Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Brianne West
● Cecilia Robinson
● Craig Piggott
● Danny Ing
● Don Sandbrook
● Jonathan Ring
● Logan Walker
● Mark Finch
● Martin Wylie
● Stefan Powell & James Powell
_________
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Aviva
● Cyclone Gabrielle Volunteers (representative to be confirmed)
● Backcountry Trust Aotearoa/New Zealand
● Give a Kid a Blanket
● Jobs for Mums
● She Sharp
● Taskforce Kiwi
● Te Puna Reo o Manga Tangaroa
● Voice of Aroha
● WELLfed NZ Trust
_________
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year 2024 Te Pou Toko o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Amelia Kaui
● Colin Kilpatrick
● Dr Olive Webb
● Dr Ruakere Hond
● Jeanne O’Brien
● Matt Brown
● Neela Neela
● Gwyneth Beard
● Parminder Kaur
● Sally Walker
_________
Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau In alphabetical order
● Angela Clifford
● Graeme Atkins
● Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr
● Joanne Murray
● Michelle Impey
● Nicola MacDonald
● Paul Ward
● Stewart Bull
● Stuart Muir
● Tohe Ashby
Next Steps in the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero Journey:
● February 21, 2024 — 3 Finalists Announcement
● March 27, 2024 — Kiwibank New Zealand Winners Announced 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: Professor Rangi Matamua (2023) Sir Tā Tipene O’Regan (2022) Dr Siouxsie Wiles (2021), 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).
● 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 over the past year.
● Spark NZ 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.
● Ministry for the Environment New Zealand Environmental Hero of the Year Award Te Toa Taiao o te Tau recognises a person or group who have made a remarkable contribution to restoring our environment and/or protecting our unique species.
● 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.
● 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.
