First NZ inspired/young achievers named in London

Media release – January 31, 2008

First NZ inspired / young achiever winners named in London

Zena Daysh has won the inaugural NZ Inspired Lifetime Achievement Award, announced today in London.

Daysh has shown a lifetime of dedication to influencing the thinking of Commonwealth governments in creating policies in support of ecological and sustainable communities. She is the executive vice chair of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council.

The award was established to recognise a New Zealander who has worked steadily and consistently over a number of years and deserves to be recognised for their cumulative efforts over a long and successful career or contribution to public life.

NZ Society incoming president Helen Campbell said Kiwi-born Daysh was an exciting winner of this our inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.

``She has shown exceptional passion and leadership over a substantial period, and has championed Government, driven discussion which has led to the creation of polices within ecological and sustainable communities. We are delighted to recognise her endeavours with this Award and thank her for her contribution,’’ Campbell said.

The winner of the Global Kiwis Young Achiever Award is Hayley Westenra, a 20 year old, New Zealand soprano who has been a singing sensation since first releasing an album at 16 years of age. Her debut album Pure, reached number one in the UK classical charts in 2003, making her the fastest-selling debut classical artist of all time.

The award was established to recognise a young Kiwi under the age of 35, at the start of their career, who has made remarkable achievements in their field of endeavour in the UK achieving recognition on at least a national scale if not on a European or global scale.

Campbell said Westenra’s name was synonymous with New Zealand and she is recognised as one of the most exciting young voices globally.

``Hayley has participated in significant New Zealand sporting and cultural events here in the UK and on the international stage and we are delighted to have such a worthy young achiever of this new award.”

Both awards will be presented at the annual New Zealand Society’s Waitangi Day Dinner at the Drapers’ Hall in London on February 8.

ENDS