With 12 days until nominations close for Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards – Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa the
Awards Office announces the notable contenders so far – and urges New Zealanders to give the gift of a nomination to a
fellow Kiwi to ensure their mahi doesn’t go unnoticed.
2020 marks a challenging year for Aotearoa due to COVID-19 with jobs lost, restricted travel, and compromised health.
But during this time, it’s our people who have gone above and beyond for other people. Nominations received so far
highlight that, with a significant number of nominations for Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and
microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles. There have also been nominations for the “Team of Five Million” – truly reflecting the
mood of the nation this year.
“In this extraordinary year, we know that everyone has a hero,” Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru – Patron of Kiwibank New
Zealander of the Year Awards says “You’ve seen them in action, you’ve heard them, you may live with them – these
incredible New Zealanders deserve recognition for stepping up, this year and every year. Today is the day, I can’t wait
to hear who your New Zealander of the Year is.”
The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is pleased to provide the following nominations update:
So far, 1330 Kiwis have been nominated across New Zealander of the Year and supporting category titles.59% of nominations have come from Auckland (31%), Wellington (17%) and Canterbury (11%) – with Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay not far behind. Gisborne, Manawatu, Marlborough, Nelson, Northland,
Otago, Southland, Taranaki, Tasman, and West Coast – now is your time! Heroes hail from far and wide, not just in the
main centres, so let us know who’s rocking the regions.There have been a significant number of nominations for Dr Ashley Bloomfield, Director-General of Health.Other nominated New Zealanders for 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year – Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearo include:o Patrick Gower – journalist and National Correspondent for Newshubo Kelly Coe – clothing designer for Augustineo Dane Rumble – musiciano Clint Heine – Kiwis in London foundero Bryce Casey – mental health advocate and radio hosto Siouxsie Wiles – microbiologisto Simon Barnett – radio hosto Mittens – Wellington celebrity catAs another signal to the year, there have been a number of nominations for national and local government politicians. These nominees may be considered for the Awards only on the basis of work completed outside of their role or duties as
a public servant. Nominated politicians include:o David Seymour – Leader of ACT New Zealando Chloe Swarbrick – Member of Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealando Jacinda Ardern – Prime Minister of New ZealandOther Categories
Nominations are also being sought for exceptional individuals or community organisations in the following categories:Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year – Te Pou Toko o te TauMitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year – Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te TauRyman Heathcare Senior New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātāpuputu o te TauTrade Me New Zealand Innovator of the Year – Te Pou Whakairo o te TauUniversity of Canterbury Young New Zealander of the Year – Te Mātātahi o te Tau
Nominations can be made by any member of the public until midnight 30 August 2020 through completing the online
nomination form at
Once closed, all nominations will be rigorously evaluated by at least two rounds of independent and diverse judging
panels – comprising representatives of awards patrons, presenters, sponsors, community leaders and independent experts –
with semi-finalists announced in December.
The 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year and supporting category winners will be announced at the New Zealander of
the Year Awards Gala Dinner in Auckland on 18 March 2021.