Peter Leslie Named NZer Of The Year In London

Peter Leslie founder of the Scottish New Zealand Society was presented with the ‘New Zealander of the Year Award’ by Simon Bean, Regional General Manager UK/Europe, at the annual Waitangi1 Day dinner, held in the Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday night.

The award, which recognises the outstanding contribution that a New Zealand or British national has made in presenting a positive image of New Zealand in the UK, was given to Peter Leslie in recognition of the achievements that he had made in promoting New Zealand in Scotland and strengthening the ties between the two countries.

Sponsor of the Award, Simon Bean from Air New Zealand commented: “We were delighted to present the award to Peter. Through his quiet achievements, he has showed exceptional dedication in promoting New Zealand and Scottish relations. Having founded the Scottish New Zealand Society, he has been pivotal in organising the Arbroath ANZAC ceremony, a memorial to New Zealand airman and the 150th Otago settlement. His commitment is a great example to us all.”

Peter, who was genuinely very surprised at having won the award, gave a very thought provoking response, reflecting upon the enduring influence that the late Kui Rahera (Rachel) Windsor had on many New Zealanders in the UK and his own personal experience of visiting Gallipoli which highlighted the sacrifices made by many New Zealanders over the years.

Recognition was also given to the other nominee, Hilary Alexander, who is well known as the Telegraph Fashion Editor and for her many and various appearances on television, for her contribution in promoting New Zealand and its fashion designers throughout the UK and Europe.

Past winners have included Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Rt Hon Don McKinnon, international rowing coach Harry Mahon OBE, celebrity chef Peter Gordon, Olympic show jumper Mark Todd and golfer Michael Campbell.

Ends

4 February 2004

Note to Editors:

Held annually in the UK to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Waitangi Day Dinner showcases the very best of New Zealand wine and food. Sponsors of this year’s dinner included PPCS Richmond, New Zealand Lamb Co Limited, Cloudy Bay, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Nectar Ease UK Limited, Sealord (Europe) Ltd, JO Sims Ltd, Monteith’s, LENZ Wines, The Village Press and Zespri International.

PROFILES:

New Zealander of the Year Nominees

Hilary Alexander

Fashion director of the Daily Telegraph and a contributor to Vogue magazine, Napier-born Hilary has worked at the Daily Telegraph since 1985 and previously as fashion editor at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. She was UK Fashion Journalist of the Year in 2003. She regularly judges international fashion competitions and appears frequently on TV. Through her achievements, she has successfully lifted the profile of New Zealand and its fashion designers.

Peter Leslie

Canterbury and Marlborough raised, Peter is a founding member of The New Zealand Society, Scotland. As chairman for the past 6 years, he has organised the Arbroath Anzac Day ceremony in association with the local British Legion. His team also organised the 150th Anniversary of Scots settling in Otago. Peter was the driving force behind the Memorial Plaque at the Scottish Museum of Flight commemorating New Zealand airman killed in Scotland during WW II.

ENDS

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