New Zealander of the Year Finalists announced   12 Jan 2010

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and communities across New Zealand, and acknowledge the inspirational influence their work has on society. Today’s shortlist of fifteen is selected from hundreds of women, men and young people making extraordinary contributions both locally and to the world at large.

The announcement follows the release of semi finalists in December.

Prime Minister John Key will recognise these inspirational individuals at a gala event on 3 February 2010 when the winners will be announced.

An eminent panel of judges, including awards patron and former Prime Minister Jim Bolger, Dr Roderick Deane former chief economist, Dame Malvina Major, former All Black Michael Jones and Judge Ken Mason, carefully considered each nominee. Finalists were nominated by their friends, families, politicians and leaders from the worlds of business, music and the voluntary sector.

Says Mr Bolger, “I am amazed by the overwhelming contribution made by people of all ages to their communities, New Zealand and the world at large. Our success as a nation relies on individuals stepping forward and making the most of themselves, helping others and seeking new ways of doing things. Awards like these give us a chance to say thank you to extraordinary individuals, who inspire us as New Zealanders.”

The New Zealander of the Year family of awards sought nominations from fields including the arts, sport, community and voluntary service, health, public service, the environment, tourism, business, rural, education, entertainment, science, technology and cultural development. Nominations from all New Zealand citizens were welcomed.

The New Zealander of the Year winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Auckland on Wednesday, 3 February 2010. The winner of each of the five categories will receive a handcrafted, New Zealand made trophy and $5,000 towards their work from sponsor Kiwibank. All nominees will receive a certificate of appreciation for the contributions they are making to New Zealand.

Finalists include:

New Zealander of the Year

Awarded for major contribution to the nation, outstanding service to the country and inspiration through achievement.

• Ray Avery, scientist and inventor of medical devices for the third world, Auckland

• Sir Stephen Tindall, philanthropist and founder of the Warehouse, Auckland

• Valerie Vili, Olympic gold medal winner and shot-put world number one, North Shore

Young New Zealander of the Year

15 to 30 year olds who are making a positive impact on the nation.

• Matt Truman, inspirational leader of CanTeen, the child cancer charity, and survivor of a brain tumour at 14, Christchurch

• Divya Dhar, medical, social and climate change campaigner, Auckland

• Vanisa Dhiru, YWCA and Trade Aid community leader, Wellington \

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Celebrating ongoing achievement, this category is for those aged 60 and over who have made a major difference to New Zealand.

• Ron O’Grady, founder and president of EPCAT (Ending Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Child Trafficking) and international child protection campaigner, Waitakere

• Diana Lady Isaac, conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropistand arts patron, Christchurch

• Sir Eion Edgar, Former New Zealand Olympic Committee, president, businessman and philanthropist, Otago Community of the Year Acknowledges groups working together up and down the country to build stronger communities.

• Waihi Community Vision, Waihi

• Victory Village, Nelson

• StarJam, performance group for young people with disabilities, Auckland

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