Most inspirational Kiwis to be recognised

MEDIA RELEASE
15 December 2010

Most inspirational Kiwis to be recognised

Forty nine inspirational men and women have been named semi-finalists in the inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards to be presented at a gala event in Auckland on 3 February 2010.

The awards recognise those New Zealanders who ‘make New Zealand great’, and also acknowledge the inspirational influence their achievements have on both individuals and society in general.

The semi-finalists were selected from hundreds of men, women and young people nominated by leaders from politics, music, business and local communities, as well as by colleagues, patients and families of the nominees. All have been judged to be making extraordinary contributions to their local communities, the country, and often also to the world at large.

Scientists, child poverty activists, sports people, entrepreneurs and volunteers all feature in the line up. They include an 88-year-old blind and partially deaf man who has dedicated his life to his community, a medical student fighting global social injustice, and an inventor whose medical device is saving the sight of millions of the world’s poor.

Awards patron and former Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, heads the panel of judges that includes Dame Malvina Major, former All Black Michael Jones, broadcaster Jim Mora and Judge Ken Mason.

Says Mr Bolger, “We are recognising New Zealanders who display tremendous talent and compassion, and in the process are significantly bettering our society. The awards are designed to celebrate these achievements, say ‘thank you’ and provide a forum to inspire the country.”

Categories include:

New Zealander of the Year
Awarded for major contribution to the nation, outstanding service to the country and inspiration through achievement.

Young New Zealander of the Year
15 to 30 year olds who are making a positive impact on the nation.

Senior New Zealander of the Year
Celebrating ongoing achievement, this category is for those aged 60 and over who have made a major difference to New Zealand.

Community of the Year
Acknowledges groups working together up and down the country to build stronger communities.

Local Heroes Awards
Recognises ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. Local Heroes Awards will be presented in 19 regions throughout the country. From these winners, three nominees will go forward to the national awards.

A full list of semi-finalists and their regions is available on request. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 3 February 2010.

ENDS

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