Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards

Wow, we can’t believe it’s already been nearly two weeks since the best night of the year! 🎉 We’re still buzzing from the energy, the incredible stories, and the unforgettable atmosphere of the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Gala. What a night to celebrate Aotearoa’s most inspiring changemakers! ✨ Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited Spark New Zealand Genesis Ryman Healthcare University of Canterbury Petra Bagust Eteroa Lafaele

One week ago we announced our 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year winners! 🌟 Eight incredible people making Aotearoa a better place for us all. Your passion, dedication, and hard work inspire us every day – Congratulations on this amazing achievement! 💚 1. Eteroa Lafaele University of Canterbury Young Winner 2. Elizabeth Ellis CNZM JP Ryman Healthcare Senior Winner 3. Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood Fisher Funds Legacy Winner 4. Deborah Manning Genesis Sustainability Leader Winner 5. Subash Chandar K Kiwibank Local Hero Winner 6. Emma Lewisham's team on behalf of her for Spark New Zealand Innovator Winner 7. Survivors of Lake Alice, backed by the Citizen’s Commission on Human Rights Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited Community Winner 8. Bev Lawton Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Winner FIBRE FALE  Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele Deborah Manning ONZM KiwiHarvest  infinityEmma Lewisham Victoria University of Wellington New Zealand Food Network Elizabeth Ellis

Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and this dining experience was a true reflection of manaaki – care, connection, and generosity on every plate. From crafted canapés to a stunning 3-course meal by the legendary Peter Gordon ONZM and Collective Hospitality, every bite was a celebration of people and place. A huge thank you to our amazing beverage partners for helping us bring this vision to life. Kai, kōrero, and community – that’s what it’s all about. Gindrinkers Line, Quina Fina, Free AF, Huia Estate Vineyards, Paragon Wine Estates, Black Estate Wines, Sawmill Brewery, Antipodes Water, Karma Drinks, Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur, Thomson Whisky.

Aotearoa, you’ve officially set the bar for stylish celebrations!  Want to see all the glam from the 2025 Gala? Head over to our Facebook and tag yourselves! 📸 Link here: https://lnkd.in/gaTMtWs9 #NZOTY

New Zealand’s biggest names of 2025. Proven, inspirational, and making a national impact. Three of Aotearoa’s most powerful and influential wāhine paving the way! Congratulations to our 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Finalists – you make us proud to call Aotearoa home. Lisa Carrington Kelly Evans Cultivate Sport Sarah Hirini Victoria University of Wellington Cancer Society of New Zealand Steve Jurkovich Tiffany Shera-Kong  Erica Beagley Simon Hofmann Lexie McGillivray

Leading in their communities. Big hearts, and bigger commitments to making Aotearoa a better place for all. Congratulations to all three of our 2025 Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited Local Hero of the Year Finalists. Andrea Scown Sam Johnson Samantha Brown Robert Bowring Jules Lloyd-Jones Grant Fraser NZ Police   Taylor Hill Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ)

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Kiwibank Local Hero of the Year Finalists! Three game-changers making a real difference in their communities, leading with heart, and inspiring Aotearoa. Thank you for your dedication and impact! 💚 Wairere Tame Iti  Subash Chandar K Ormiston Senior College Steve Jurkovich  Tiffany Shera-Kong Erica Beagley   Simon Hofmann  Tiffany Shera-Kong Lexie McGillivray

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Spark New Zealand Innovator of the Year Finalists – all three game-changers in their field, and furthering our nation with their entrepreneurial spirit. Ingrid Bennie Matt Bain Luke Smith Toby Sellers William Murrell  KiwiFibre  Ben Scales Emma Lewisham Simon Malpas Kitea Health The University of Auckland Jolie Hodson MNZM

Three of our nation’s greatest kaitiaki, protecting te taiao (our environment) for future generations of New Zealanders. Ngā mihi nui to our 2025 Genesis Sustainability Leader of the Year Finalists for your extraordinary mahi! Kate van Praagh Claire Atkinson Ashley Bloomfield Paddy Gower Caren Rangi, ONZM, FCA Geoff Ensor  Valerie Adams Tiffany Shera-Kong

The Fisher Funds New Zealander of the Year Legacy Award Te Pou Tūroa o Aotearoa Winners Sir Mark Dunajtschik and Dorothy Spotswood. Their generosity has reshaped healthcare and community well-being in Aotearoa. Thank you for inspiring and building that legacy 🩵 Ashley Bloomfield  Miriama Kamo  Paddy Gower Valerie Adams Robyn Baker Geoff Ensor