2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards update

2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards update

The New Zealander of the Year Awards office is pleased to provide the following nominations update for the 2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards.

• 216 nominations received for the New Zealander of the Year Award. The nominations made are for excellence in arts, community service, public service, business, education, entertainment, science, technology, sport, health and cultural development.

• Journalist and former television personality John Campbell has received 114 nominations.

• Other top nominated New Zealanders for 2016 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include:

o Lydia Ko (professional golfer)

o Dr Michael James (Jim) Salinger (climate change scientist)

o Malcolm Edward Law (mental health advocate and long distance runner)

o Mark Vette (animal behaviour specialist and host of Pound Pups to Dog stars)

o Norm Hewitt (ex-All Black and SPCA ambassador)

o Richie McCaw (All Blacks captain)

o Dr Sharad Paul (skin cancer specialist)

o Sir Peter Leitch (businessman and philanthropist)

After nominations close on 30 September 2015, a judging panel – comprising representatives of awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts – will evaluate the nominations. The shortlist of 10 candidates to be considered for the New Zealander of the Year Award will be announced in December.

Comment from Glyn Taylor, Manager – New Zealander of the Year Awards Office

With less than two weeks until nominations close, now is the time to make nominations for the prestigious title of New Zealander of the Year.

Nominations for this award impress year after year and 2016 will be no different. We are seeing New Zealanders from a range of backgrounds, from All Blacks to scientists and fundraisers to doctors.

The New Zealander of the Year Awards honour the very best of us. This year’s judging panel will have a test on its hands to narrow down such a great group of people to just 10 semifinalists in each category and, eventually, one winner.

Other Categories

Nominations are also being sought for exceptional New Zealanders in the following categories:

• University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 years)

• Metlifecare Senior New Zealander of the Year (60 years and over)

• Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year

• Sanitarium New Zealand Innovator of the Year

• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year

Background

Now in their seventh year, the New Zealander of the Year Awards recognise, encourage and reward 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.

Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Sir Stephen Tindall (2015), Dr Lance O’Sullivan (2014), Dame Anne Salmond (2013), Sir Richard Taylor (2012), Sir Paul Callaghan (2011) and Sir Ray Avery (2010).

Nominations for the 2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be made until 30th September 2015 through completing the online nomination form or requesting an information brochure from the Awards Office at info@nzawards.org.nz or by free phoning 0508 692 927.

Visit www.nzawards.org.nz for more information on the 2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards or to nominate.

ENDS

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