2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards Update

The New Zealander of the Year Awards office is pleased to provide the following nominations update for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards.

• 41 people have been nominated for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year title.
• There has been a surge in nominations for former Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei since her resignation.
• Other nominated New Zealanders for 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include:
o Peter Burling – Team New Zealand helmsman
o Mark Dunajtschik – Wellington Children’s Hospital benefactor
o Nicky Hager – author
o Heather Henare – Skylight CEO and former CEO of Women’s Refuge New Zealand
o Mike King – mental health advocate
o Nigel Latta – psychologist and author
o Jono Pryor – television and radio personality

After nominations close on 18 September 2017, a judging panel – comprising representatives of awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts – will evaluate the nominations. The shortlist of 10 candidates to be considered for the New Zealander of the Year Award will be announced in December.

Other Categories

Nominations are also being sought for exceptional New Zealanders in the following categories:

• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years)
• Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year (60 years and over)
• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
• Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year

Background

The annual New Zealander of the Year awards are in their ninth year. They recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand's most vital asset - its people. They’re open to all New Zealanders and celebrate the contributions of New Zealanders from all walks of life.

The 2018 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Gala Awards in Auckland on 21 February 2018.

Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: 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).

More information on the 2018 New Zealander of the Year Awards is at www.nzawards.org.nz

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