Finalists for Kiwibank 2019 New Zealander of the Year

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to announce the three finalists being considered for the title of 2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

They are:

• Dr Marewa Glover: tobacco harm reduction advocate (Auckland)
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• Lisa King: founder of Eat My Lunch (Auckland)
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• Mike King: mental health advocate (Auckland)
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Comment from Chief Judge Cameron Bennett

“Empathy, understanding and a passion for effecting real, positive change are the defining qualities shared by Marewa Glover, Lisa King and Mike King. These three remarkable Kiwis are worthy finalists for the title of Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in 2019. They are tackling some of the toughest social issues facing New Zealand – issues that touch us all.

“With passion, persistence and professionalism, Marewa Glover has become a catalyst for the adoption of practical, real world solutions to public health issues, especially those that disproportionately affect indigenous populations. Never one to shy away from challenging conventional thinking, Marewa’s work to find better ways to reduce the harm caused by smoking, especially among Maori, is world-leading.

“Lisa King doesn’t just believe that no Kiwi child should go hungry, she rolls up her sleeves and makes that belief a reality. Calling on her creative and commercial expertise, Lisa’s innovative and successful social enterprise Eat My Lunch is positively and sustainably transforming the lives of thousands of Kiwi kids, their families and their communities.

“Mike King has seen first-hand the tragic and devasting impacts of depression, alcohol and drug abuse in our communities – especially among Maori and young people. He pulls no punches tackling New Zealand’s shocking rate of suicide, inspiring hope and optimism for those most at risk.”

Background

The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are in their 10th year. They celebrate people who use their passion for New Zealand to make our country a better place to live. They are open to all New Zealanders to honour extraordinary Kiwis whose selflessness, creativity and vision make us proud to call New Zealand home.

A total of 448 nominations were received for the title of 2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

The winner will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala in Auckland on 13th February 2019.

Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: 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 categories
The 2019 New Zealander of the Year Awards also honour New Zealanders who have performed with distinction in five other award categories. The finalists for these categories are:
University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year
• Kendall Flutey (Christchurch)
• Sophie Pascoe (Christchurch)
• Shay Wright (Auckland)
Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year
• Sir Mason Durie (Palmerston North)
• Dr Bill (William) Glass (Wellington)
• Dr Rosamund Vallings (Auckland)
Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year
• Dr Mark Sager - Soul Machines (Auckland)
• Dr Alister Scarfe & Steven Saunders – Robotics Plus (Whakamarama)
• Ian Taylor – Animation Research Ltd (Dunedin)
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year
• Kaibosh Food Rescue (Wellington)
• Kiwi Coast (Northland)
• Pillars (national)
Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
• Pera Barrett (Wellington)
• Glen Green (Auckland)
• Barbara Halliwell (Wellington)
More information on the 2019 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Awards is available at www.nzawards.co.nz.
ENDS

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