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Memorial Architect Honoured As New Zealander Of The Year 2007

Architect Jonathan Rennie was presented with the prestigious New Zealander of the Year award sponsored by Air New Zealand at the annual New Zealand Society Waitangi1 Day dinner in London on Friday night.

Mr Rennie was honoured in recognition of his work on the New Zealand memorial which was dedicated by The Queen at Hyde Park Corner on 11 November 2006. The award recognises the outstanding contribution that a New Zealand or British national has made in presenting a positive image of New Zealand in the United Kingdom. Mr Rennie was the London representative of the memorial project team and represented Athfield Architects Ltd who, in partnership with Dibble Art Company, were chosen to design the memorial.

On presenting the Air New Zealand sponsored award, the airline’s European General Manager, Scott Carr said “We are delighted to give the award to Jonathan Rennie. I had the honour of attending the New Zealand memorial dedication last year which was a tremendous day for New Zealanders. Jonathan’s input into the project was invaluable in creating such a lasting tribute at Hyde Park Corner which all New Zealanders can identify with and feel proud to be a kiwi.”

Mr Rennie said that he was delighted to receive the award and wished to acknowledge all those who had played a role in the memorial project as it was very much a team effort.

Recognition was also given to the other nominees and finalists, who had all made significant contributions in a range of activities enhancing New Zealand’s profile in the United Kingdom. This year saw a record number of nominations from ballet dancers to rugby league players which is testament both to how the award has grown and to the diversity of achievement by New Zealanders in the United Kingdom.

The runners up were John Buchanan and Dr Tim Drysdale. John Buchanan is a businessman who has held directorships on a number of UK companies, including BP, and was named in the Times Power 100 in 2006. Dr Tim Drysdale is a scientist recognised for his leadership in communication of science, most notably at an exhibit at Buckingham Palace last year.

Past winners of the New Zealander of the Year award have included London restauranteurs Tom and Susan Glynn, Peter Leslie, president of the New Zealand Society, Scotland, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Rt. Hon Don McKinnon, international rowing coach Harry Mahon OBE, celebrity chef Peter Gordon, Olympic show jumper Mark Todd and golfer Michael Campbell.

The annual dinner was attended by the Rt Hon Jonathan Hunt ONZ as High Commissioner and patron of the New Zealand Society, with messages from the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark MP and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh adding to the event, which featured a five course meal of New Zealand beverage and produce and performance by the London based Maori club Ngati Ranana.

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