New Zealander of the Year finalists

The finalists for the inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards have been announced.

StarJam, a performance group for young people with disabilities, is a finalist for Community of the Year and arts patron Diana Lady Isaac is a finalist for Senior New Zealander of the Year.

The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and communities across New Zealand, and acknowledge the inspirational influence their work has on society.

StarJam is a not-for-profit organisation, based in Auckland, which offers young people with disabilities opportunities to build character and confidence through performance. 

Diana Lady Isaac is a conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron from Christchurch who has supported numerous artists and arts organisations, including the Isaac Theatre Royal, The Christchurch Art Gallery and the Wigram Airport Museum.

Prime Minister John Key will announce the winners at a gala event on 3 February 2010.

The panel of judges are 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. Finalists were nominated by their friends, families, politicians and leaders from the worlds of business, music and the voluntary sector.

Mr Bolger said he was 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 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.

The winner of each of the five categories will receive a handcrafted, New Zealand made trophy and $5000 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, philanthropist and 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

Local Heroes Awards

Recognises ordinary people doing extraordinary things in their local communities. Local Heroes Awards will be presented in 19 regions throughout the country. From these winners, three nominees have been selected to go forward to the national awards.

• Helen Johnson, Special Olympics coach and disability advocate, Palmerston North
• George Phiskie, local and blind community activist, Waipu
• Haami (Sam) Tutu Chapman, youth and community worker, Otara, Auckland