Nominations Open to Find Extraordinary Kiwis

MEDIA RELEASE
2nd August 2010

Nominations Open to Find Extraordinary New Zealanders

Rt Hon Jim Bolger and New Zealander of the Year 2010, Ray Avery, will launch nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2011 at an event on Tuesday 3 August at Te Papa. Awarded for outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation, the awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand.

Recognising people from all walks of life, the awards seek out and honour exceptional individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire through their hard work and achievement.

All New Zealanders are encouraged to nominate a fellow Kiwi whose contribution to society makes them feel proud and deserving of recognition. Nominations are open from Tuesday 3rd August until Friday 22 October 2010 and judging will take place in December. The winners and runners up in each category will be honoured at a gala awards dinner on Wednesday 2 February 2011.

Any citizen over the age of 15 can be nominated in one or more of the five award categories:

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
Honouring the inspirational achievements of a remarkable person

Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year
Recognising over 60s making a positive contribution to the nation

Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year
Role models aged between 15 and 30 who are inspiring young New Zealanders

Mitre 10 Community of the Year
Acknowledging groups and organisations working together to build better communities

Kiwibank Local Heroes
Rewarding everyday people doing extraordinary things in their communities. Up to 250 Kiwibank local Hero medals will be awarded in up to 25 regions across the country. One national winner will be celebrated at the gala awards dinner.

“Ideal candidates are inspirational New Zealanders who are stepping up, making the most of what they have to offer, helping others and seeking new ways of making society better,” explains Awards Patron, Kiwibank Chairman and former Prime Minister Jim Bolger.

“I am amazed by the overwhelming contribution made by people of all ages to their communities, New Zealand and the world at large. These awards give us a platform to recognise, celebrate and encourage those Kiwis making a difference in our communities.”

Principal sponsor Kiwibank is pleased to provide each category winner with $5,000 towards their work and a handcrafted, New Zealand-made trophy. All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement or encouragement in recognition of their contribution.

Nomination forms are available online at www.nzawards.org.nz or Kiwibank, Countdown and Mitre 10 stores.

For information or assistance in submitting a nomination:

Text: ‘nominate’ to 244
Call toll free: 0508 692 927
Email: info@nzwards.org.nz
Post: New Zealander of the Year Awards, PO Box 7443, Market Road, Auckland 1543

Last year’s overall winner, Ray Avery, 63, is a former street kid turned scientist whose low cost, sustainable medical devices - invented in the garage of his Mount Eden home - are making a difference to millions of the world’s most vulnerable and poor.

Also honoured at last year’s event were:

Sir Eion Edgar of Otago, named Senior New Zealander of the Year for his lifetime of philanthropic service.

Divya Dhar, 24 of Manukau, named Young New Zealander of the Year for campaigning against global poverty and climate change.

Haami (Sam) Tutu Chapman of Manukau, given the Local Heroes Award for his extraordinary work with gangs and communities at risk.

Victory Village in Nelson, given the Community of the Year Award for creating strong support services for happy and successful communities.

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