27 June 2014
New Zealander of the Year Awards joined by the University of Auckland
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office has announced that the University of Auckland has joined the Awards
programme as category sponsor for the Young New Zealander of the Year.
The New Zealander of the Year Awards has recognised and celebrated the achievements of New Zealanders across six
specific categories since its inception in 2009.
The category of Young New Zealander of the Year is open to New Zealanders aged 15-30 and recognises outstanding
achievement in the arts, sport, culture and community.
Past winners include internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer, Paris Goebel (2014); conservationist Sam Judd
(2013); leader of the Student Volunteer Army, Sam Johnson (2012); student Jamie Fenton (2011); and, doctor Divya Dhar
(2010).
Comment from New Zealander of the Year Awards Manager, Glyn Taylor:
“Each year we’re blown away by the calibre of the nominations in this category. But the importance of the Awards
transcends the celebration of achievement by encouraging and inspiring others to stand up and make a difference.
“To have the University of Auckland partner the Awards is a fantastic endorsement of the reputation and value in what
the Young New Zealander of the Year Award represents.”
Comment from University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart McCutcheon:
“The University of Auckland is proud to sponsor the Young New Zealander of the Year and recognise the outstanding and
exceptional young people who are making a difference to their communities.
As the country’s leading University, we have a proud legacy of challenging, supporting and encouraging young New
Zealanders to be the best they can be in order to advance the intellectual, cultural, environmental, economic and social
wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”
Background
The annual New Zealander of the Year awards is in its sixth year. It recognises, encourages and rewards New Zealand's
most vital asset - its people. It is open to all New Zealanders and celebrates the contributions of New Zealanders from
all walks of life.
The 2015 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced by the Prime Minister at the New Zealander of the Year
Gala Awards in Auckland on 25 February.
Previous winners of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award are: Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond
(2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).
More information on the 2015 New Zealander of the Awards is at www.nzawards.co.nz