Who will be the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for 2011?

Winners of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards will be revealed at a gala dinner in Auckland on Wednesday 2 February.

Building on the success of the inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards in 2010, the 2011 awards recognise, encourage and reward New Zealand’s most vital asset - its people. The aim of the awards is to seek out and honour the achievements of individuals, organisations and community groups who inspire us through their commitment, hard work and achievement.

Last year’s winner was inventor, scientist and humanitarian, Sir Ray Avery, who was also knighted in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for his services to philanthropy. “Last year was an incredible year for me as the 2010 New Zealander of the Year and I’d like to wish all finalists at this year’s awards the very best of luck”, says Sir Ray. “There are some extraordinary Kiwis doing inspirational things to contribute towards the positive development of our nation. It makes me so proud to know that there are others out there with the same determination and passion to make a difference.”

The New Zealander of the Year awards sought nominations from fields covering the arts, sport, community and voluntary sectors, health, public service, the environment, tourism, business, rural, education, entertainment, science, technology and culture. The finalists were chosen from hundreds of nominations received.

An eminent panel of judges carefully considered the nominations. The panel comprised awards patron and former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jim Bolger; former Auckland City Mayor, business leader and social responsibility campaigner Dick Hubbard; broadcaster Jim Mora; business leader Dr Roderick Deane; retired District Court judge Ken Mason; Maori TV’s Carol Hirschfeld and opera virtuoso Dame Malvina Major.

The winner of each of the five categories will receive a handcrafted, New Zealand made trophy and $5,000 towards their work from principal sponsor Kiwibank.