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28 July, 2011
Rt Hon Jim Bolger will today launch nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2012 in Wellington. Presented for outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation, the Awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand.
The awards seek to recognise people from all walks of life, and honour exceptional individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire through their hard work and achievement.
The 2012 official launch is a public event being held at Te Raukura Wharewaka, on the Wellington Waterfront and will feature previous and current winners including a performance by the StarJam children.
All New Zealanders are encouraged to nominate a fellow Kiwi whose selfless contribution to society makes them feel proud and deserving of recognition. Nominations are open from Thursday 28th July until Friday 14th October 2011 and judging will take place in December. Winners in each category will be announced at a gala awards dinner in February 2012.
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 across the country. One national winner will be celebrated at the gala awards dinner.
"It is so easy to concentrate on negative headlines yet I am constantly amazed by the contribution made by so many New Zealanders of all ages and backgrounds" said Awards Patron, former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jim Bolger.
"This year we are again looking for individuals and groups whose deeds and efforts will inspire and encourage others who seek to do good in society. The New Zealander of the Year Awards are designed to recognise groups and individuals who in their own unique way have made a difference" said Mr Bolger.
Principal sponsor Kiwibank will give each category winner $5,000 towards their work and a custom made trophy. All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement in recognition of their contribution.
Nomination forms are available online at www.nzawards.org.nz or at Kiwibank, Countdown and Mitre 10 stores.
For information or assistance in submitting a nomination:
Text: ‘nominate’ to 244 (texts cost 20c)
Call toll free: 0508 692 927
Email: info@nzawards.org.nz
Post: New Zealander of the Year Awards,
PO Box 7443, Market Road, Auckland 1543
Last year’s overall winner, Sir Paul Callaghan of Wellington, is a world leading scientist in the fields of nanotechnology and magnetic resonance. His work has put him and New Zealand on the international stage and he has shown outstanding leadership of over 30 years as a scientist, teacher and communicator. He is a passionate advocate for addressing and finding ways to reverse the overseas ‘brain drain.’ In his view, widening New Zealand’s economic growth engines can be achieved by using science and technology to create industry that is world class and home grown.
Also honoured at last year’s event were:
Alison Neill, from Fairlie, South Canterbury, named Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year for providing over 30 years of voluntary care to the elderly.
Jamie Fenton, from New Plymouth, named Coca-Cola Young New Zealander of the Year for her work as a young inventor and inspirational role model to Kiwi kids.
Billy Graham, from Naenae, Lower Hut, given the Kiwibank Local Heroes Award for his extraordinary work creating programmes for at-risk youth.
The Gibbston Community Association, Central Otago, given the Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award for their outstanding community development achievements.
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