1. 16 August 2016
2017 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 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards.
 185 nominations received for the New Zealander of the Year Award.
 Former president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Helen Kelly has received 90
nominations.
 Other top nominated New Zealanders for 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year include:
o Valerie Adams – shot put Olympian
o Hurimoana Dennis – chairman of Te Puea Marae
o Michelle Dickinson – director of Nanogirl Labs LTD
o Kelly Dugan - founder of SmileDialNZ
o Andrew Judd – New Plymouth mayor
o Doctor Patrick Kelly – clinical director of Starship's child protection team
o Bill Kerrison – for services to conservation
o Duane Major & Adam Gard’ner – founders of Awaroa Beach crowdfunding campaign
o Henare O’Keefe – for services to at-risk youth and family violence protection
o Major Campbell Roberts - national director of social policy for The Salvation Army
o Annah Stretton – founder of Reclaim Another Woman
o Frances Valintine – founder of The Mind Lab
o Rodney Wayne – for services to education in hairdressing
After nominations close on 30 September 2016, 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
This year New Zealanders are really getting into the spirit of celebrating the best of us. It is inspiring to
read the nominations for individuals from all areas of endeavour, achievement and charity.

2. Many of these nominations are connected to issues of great importance to New Zealanders. The
housing crisis has seen nominations through for both chairman of Te Puea Marae Hurimoana Dennis
and national director of social policy for The Salvation Army Major Campbell Roberts. The two men
behind the successful crowdfunding campaign for Awaroa Beach have also been nominated.
Without a nomination, we cannot consider these Kiwis for the New Zealander of the Year title. If you
know someone doing great things for New Zealand or for your community then make sure you get a
nomination in before 30 September.
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
 Mitre10 New Zealand Community of the Year
Background
The annual New Zealander of the Year Awards are now in their eighth year. They recognise, encourage
and reward New Zealand's most vital asset - its people. They’re open to all New Zealanders and
celebrate the contributions of New Zealanders from all walks of life.
The 2017 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year will be announced at the New Zealander of the Year
Awards Gala in Auckland in February next year.
Previous winners of the New Zealander of the Year Award are: Richie McCaw (2016), 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).
More information on the 2017 New Zealander of the Year Awards can be found at
www.nzawards.org.nz.
Contact information
Media contact: Nicky Barton, 027 306 0603
Editors Notes
Award Categories Descriptions
The New Zealander of the Year
The most prestigious national award. It honours people for their contribution to the well-being of
New Zealand. Proven, inspirational and passionate, these are the people that New Zealanders are
proud to call their own.
Young New Zealander of the Year
These are the leaders of tomorrow who are already showing great promise. They are the ones who
are striving to improve themselves, their communities and/or their nation.
Senior New Zealander of the Year

3. These are the people who have shown sustained excellence in their field. They are the ones with a
lifetime of achievement behind them but are still actively involved in making the world around them a
better place.
New Zealand Innovator of the Year
These are the game changers in their field. Those who have used their insight and their passion to
make an impact. They are the ones who, in the spirit of Kiwi inventiveness and resourcefulness, have
created a better NZ.
New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
These are individuals who have made a positive difference in their community. They show
selflessness and determination to make a difference, sometimes in the face of personal adversity.
New Zealand Community of the Year
These are communities who display the best of community spirit. They have significantly contributed
to the economic, social or environmental health of their areas or region. Their services have made a
lasting impact on the community they serve.