Nominations Open to Find Extraordinary New Zealanders

MEDIA RELEASE
28th July 2011

Nominations Open to Find Extraordinary New Zealanders

Rt Hon Jim Bolger will launch nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards 2012 at a public event on Thursday 28th July at Te Raukura – Wharewaka, Wellington. Awarded for outstanding service, achievement and contribution to the nation, the Awards celebrate excellence in New Zealand.

Recognising people from all walks of life, the Awards seek out and honour exceptional individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire through their hard work and achievement.

The 2012 Official Launch is a public event on the Wellington Waterfront and will feature previous and current winners including a performance by the StarJam children. The following day, on Friday 29th July, a community event in Hagley Park, Christchurch will announce the South Island Call for Nominations.

All New Zealanders are encouraged to nominate a fellow Kiwi whose contribution to society makes them feel proud and deserving of recognition. Nominations are open from Thursday 28th July until Friday 14 October 2011 and judging will take place in December. The winners and runners up in each category will be honoured 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 in up to 15 regions 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 special groups and individuals who in their own unique way have made a difference." said Mr Bolger.

Principal sponsor Kiwibank is pleased to provide each category winner with $5,000 towards their work and a custom made trophy. All nominees will receive a certificate of achievement or encouragement 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[at]nzwards.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 nanotecnology 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 adocate 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 technolgy to create industry that is ‘world class and home grown.’

Also honoured at last year’s event was:

Alison Neill of Fairlie, named Senior New Zealander of the Year for her altruistic dedication in providing a free residential care facility for the elderly and infirm.

Jamie Fenton, 17 of New Plymouth, named Young New Zealander of the Year for her achievements that have led to her becoming an outstanding role model for young New Zealanders despite their age.

Billy Graham of Lower Hutt, given the Local Heroes Award for his extraordinary work dramatically transforming the lives of troubled young men by providing a place of encouragement, guidance and belonging through his self funded Naenae Boxing Academy.

The Gibbston Community Association, given the Community of the Year Award for uniting and revitalising a small community in the spirit of co-operation to develop, create and complete incredible projects for the benefit of many.

ENDS

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