Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2013 announced

28th February 2013

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2013 announced

Renowned author, academic and environmentalist, Dame Anne Salmond of Auckland, has been named the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year 2013 at a glittering Awards gala in Auckland tonight attended by 550 guests.

Dame Anne Salmond who was presented her Award by the Governor General, His Excellency The Rt. Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, has dedicated her academic career to documenting cultural exchanges in New Zealand to bring about a greater understanding of New Zealand’s history and how we can develop a strong multicultural society for our future generations.

Taken under the wing of Maori elders as a teenager, Dame Anne now has written seven award-winning books, and is committed to ensuring that Maori, Pacific and low income students achieve their potential through education, as well as being a dedicated and active environmentalist. In addition to being honoured internationally for her work, Dame Anne is now Distinguished Professor of Maori Studies and Anthropology at the University of Auckland.

Dame Anne articulates a vision for a future of New Zealand that harnesses our unique combination of Maori and Pakeha heritage to build a vibrant and successful society. Through her work restoring native bush in the East Coast and her championing of Te Awaroa (bush buffers along our waterways), Dame Anne also leads by example in promoting protection and nurturing of our native flora and fauna, for both our economic wellbeing and for future generations of Kiwis.

Dame Anne was selected from a shortlist of exceptional Kiwis, including finalists Professor Swee T Tan, leading plastic surgeon and researcher, and Bill Buckley, whose factory in West Auckland produces 90% of the world’s silicon chips, used in almost every piece of modern technology.

Award’s patron Jim Bolger said that “Dame Anne Salmond is an exceptional New Zealander who is committed to understanding our cultural heritage and to protecting our environment for generations to come. She is a deserving recipient and a passionate and articulate Kiwi with a strong vision for our nation’s future.”

Other inspirational Kiwis were honoured as winners in the other four categories at the awards presentation:

• Ian Grant from Auckland, named the Countdown Senior New Zealander of the Year for dedicating his life to supporting parents by developing the Parenting Place.

• Sam Judd, from Auckland, named the Coca-Cola Amatil Young New Zealander of the Year for his work establishing and leading the Sustainable Coastlines Trust, mobilising a team to clean up our beaches and inspire New Zealanders to take action.

• Jim Morunga from Napier, awarded the Kiwibank Local Heroes Award for his extraordinary work with suicide prevention and supporting disabled Maori.

• The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust, given the Mitre 10 Community of the Year Award for their initiatives establishing support services that improve both the lives of children as a result of recognising the contribution of the grandparents raising them.

The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards honour the contributions of remarkable individuals, organisations and community groups throughout New Zealand who inspire us through their commitment, hard work and achievement.

“Dame Anne and in fact all of the winners exemplify what makes New Zealanders special – our unique spirit, love for our country and community and willingness to get involved and make a real difference”, Kiwibank CEO Paul Brock said.

Hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Mike Hosking, entertainment highlights of the Awards included an exclusive preview from Pacific musical, The Factory for the Auckland Arts Festival, performances by 12 year old soprano, Tayla Alexander and young country star, 12 year old Vivi Crossland of Raglan complimented by Howard Morrison Jnr and his showband.

The five award winners who were announced from a list of three finalists in each category were initially selected and judged from almost 700 nominations made by the New Zealand public during 2012. Each winner received a custom made New Zealand trophy and $5,000 towards their work from principal sponsor Kiwibank.

Awards website: www.nzawards.org.nz (full profiles on each winner & finalist)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newzealanderoftheyear

ENDS

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