About the Awards
The New Zealander of the Year Awards recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand’s most vital asset - its people. The awards seek out and honour the incredible achievements of individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire us through their commitment, hard work and achievements and create a sense of national pride, unity and inspiration through their example as mentors and role models to the wider community.
Our media partners are Fairfax Media, TV3 and The Radio Network. Their support will give all New Zealanders the opportunity to nominate someone in their local region.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrates the contributions of New Zealanders from all walks of life and provides all New Zealanders with the opportunity to recognise someone who inspires them, makes them proud and embodies pure kiwi spirit.
Nominations can be made in five award categories:
Each category will have one award winner, there will be five winners and to acknowledge and encourage the widest possible field, each category will have three finalists (15 High Achievers).
The five award winners will receive a $5,000 cheque and a hand crafted trophy provided by Kiwibank.
Local Heroes will also be presented on a regional level, where local achievers will be recognised with medallions presented by Kiwibank and our media partners for their contribution to their community.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards was officially launched on the 3rd of August, 2010 at Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.
Nominations close on Friday 14th October 2011 and judging will take place on the 6th December 2011. The judging panel will comprise representatives of all the awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts.
An official Gala Awards Presentation Dinner will be held in Auckland on the 16th February 2012 at the Langham Auckland where all participants will be formally recognised and acknowledged. To attend this function please contact the awards office.
The awards will seek nominations from all fields including the arts, sport, community service, health, public service, the environment, volunteers, tourism, business, rural, education, entertainment, science, technology, innovation and cultural development to name a few.
All New Zealand citizens are eligible to enter the awards. Entry is free so nominate your inspirational Kiwi right now.