Source: Radio New Zealand
Sir Rod Drury. RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Technology entrepreneur Sir Rod Drury has been named 2026 New Zealander of the Year.
The founder of cloud-based accounting software platform, Xero, was one of seven New Zealanders recognised for their achievements.
Drury co-founded Xero in 2006 and helped develop it into a billion-dollar global company.
He moved to Queenstown in 2019 after he retired as its chief executive.
Kiwibank chief executive Steve Jurkovich said Drury had a track record for turning ambition into action.
“From transforming how small businesses operate and grow across the world, to backing the next generation of innovators and investing in the people and physical infrastructure our country needs for the future, his impact is far-reaching and deeply practical,” he said.
“What stands out most is his commitment to using his success as a platform to enable others – helping more New Zealand businesses to start, scale and succeed.”
Sir Rod’s mahi was helping build a more productive, confident and future-focused Aotearoa, Jurkovich said.
“We’re proud to celebrate him as the 2026 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa,” he said.
Others recognised for their achievements were Lucy Blakiston, the founder of a youth-focused media company, and Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr, who had saved the lives of nearly 800 children in Palestine.
Craig Piggott‘s work in global agritech innovation and Mike Casey‘s contribution to sustainable energy were also acknowledged.
Māhera Maihi was awarded Local Hero of the Year for tackling homelessness and poverty.
The Community of the Year Award went to the Safeguarding Children Initiative in Nelson.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
