Esther Jessop named 2009 NZer of the Year in UK

Media release – February 5, 2009

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Esther Jessop named 2009 NZer of the Year in the UK

Esther Jessop, kaumatua and founding member of Ngati Ranana, has been named the 2009 Air NZ New Zealander of the Year at the New Zealand Society’s annual Waitangi Day Dinner at the Millennium Mayfair London Hotel, on Friday evening, February 6 (UKtime).

The award, which recognises the outstanding contribution that a New Zealand or British national has made in presenting a positive image of New Zealand in the UK, was presented to Esther Jessop in recognition of her achievements in being one of the founding members of Ngati Ranana and her continuing contribution and support of Ngati Ranana and the wider New Zealand community here in the UK and elsewhere.

Jessop said the ‘’club has always had to rely on its own resources being 12,000 miles away from New Zealand. Interestingly, as more and more young New Zealanders come to England, I sense that there is still that on-going need for good old-fashioned togetherness (kotahitanga), the importance of family (whanaungatanga) and the watching out for one another (manaakitanga)”.

Scott Carr, European general manager for Air New Zealand, said Jessop was quiet and unassuming yet incredibly influential role.

``She has had as a founding member of Ngati Ranana. She has ensured that our New Zealand whanau, our values and attitudes are shared by not only homesick Kiwis but also by the many other nationalities that have seen and been welcomed into the Ngati Ranana family over the last 50 years.”

Jessop said: "Winning the award was a wonderful reward not only for myself but for all of us here in Ngati Ranana, the London Maori Cultural Club, in this our 50th anniversary year. I really see this award as a tribute to all those members who have passed through Ngati Ranana and gone on to fine achievements in their lives and careers. I feel proud that over the years we have been able to extend people's awareness in Britain and Europe of our country and our culture."

Recognition was also given to the two other finalists ; Dr John Hood, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London and all the other nominees who have made significant contributions in a range of activities enhancing New Zealand’s profile in the United Kingdom.

Past winners have included Dr Ian Conrich, drector of the Centre of New Zealand Studies; New Zealand memorial architect, Jon Rennie; Olympic gold medallist Mark Todd, Susan and Tom Glynn, New Zealand restaurateurs in London, golfer Michael Campbell; secretary general of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon; and New Zealand celebrity chef Peter Gordon.

ENDS

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